(ANSA) - COSENZA, SEPT 26 - A protocol between the Cosenza Chamber of Commerce and the local business associations to implement information points on digital video surveillance was signed today. In the meantime, an announcement was published, for the selection of contributions to micro, small and medium-sized businesses with digital video surveillance systems, through vouchers covering 50% of the direct investment for this purpose.

The Chamber funds the measure with 500,000 euros. The maximum contribution for each enterprise is 5,000 euros. The initiative, co-ordinated by the prefect Tomao, which is put in place by the Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the police and the trade associations, was presented during a meeting attended by the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Klaus Algieri, the prefect Tomao, the Questor, Giancarlo Conticchio, Lieutenant Colonel of the Carabinieri, Raffaele Giovinazzo, representing the provincial Command, and Lieutenant of the Guardia di Finanza Carlo Spanò, representing the provincial Command of the ''fiamme gialle''.

The secretary general of the Cosenza Chamber of Commerce, Erminia Day, coordinated the meeting. ''This protocol is a tool - said President Algieri - that helps protect citizens and businesses by supporting the primary and essential action of law enforcement agencies. The Security Protocol is created in collaboration with the prefect Tomao and the police because businesses also have their own responsibilities, and I am very pleased with the fact that the business associations have joined this project. The economy and the legality in a specific area can grow thanks to collaborations between institutions and the 'electronic cop', a formula that identifies the video surveillance system, perfectly reflects the synergy between institutional and economic players. The protocol on 'electronic cop' agreement was signed by the director of Confcommercio Maria Cocciolo; the president of CNA, Francesco Rosa; the president of Coldiretti, Pietro Tarasi, the preseident of Casartigiani, Eugenio Blasi, the representative of the Italian Tobacco Federation, Francesco Peluso, and the representative of Cia, Ferdinando Mortati; the councillor Francesco Salerno from Assindustria; Confartigianato, and the president of Confesercenti, Vincenzo Farina.

''Today - said prefect Tomao - we signed a protocol that is an important alliance: there is a need to ensure citizens security and legality''. Electronic cop ''is necessary: an integrated digital city surveillance system shared by traders and entrepreneurs can really be a formidable tool. Now, we should also work on an anti-racket and anti-usury protocol, putting together institutions and businesses. Entrepreneurs must address the institutions before they become potential victims.'' (ANSA).