“The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has gained a momentum with the Maraş initiative,” President Ersin Tatar said on Tuesday.

Addressing members of the Konya Chamber of Commerce in Turkey, Tatar said that over 200,000 people have visited the recently opened section of the fenced-off town.

He added that once the town is reopened for settlement the Maraş initiative will have an important and positive impact on the TRNC economy.

Highlighting the importance of investments for the TRNC economy, Tatar expressed the hope that businesspeople from Konya will invest in North Cyprus.

“Despite all the difficulties and economic embargoes imposed, the TRNC has made important strides after 1974. We have succeeded in attracting tourists despite the absence of direct flights,” he said, adding that investments to be made in the area of tourism, particularly Maraş will contribute greatly to the TRNC economy.