Cyprus presented its case as a strategic investment hub during an event in London this week, aiming to attract British investors by showcasing sector-specific opportunities and the island’s role as a gateway to the wider region.
Held in the heart of the City, the event, titled ‘Cyprus: a gateway for global investment and strategic cooperation’, brought together business leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss Cyprus’ evolving investment landscape.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Energy, George Papanastasiou stressed the importance of a more tailored investment approach.
“Today our goal was to convey the message that Cyprus is interested in British investors coming to Cyprus and seeing what is innovative at the moment,” he told CNA.
He added that Cyprus’ presence at the event was “more targeted towards what Cyprus offers British investors,” noting that “this is how we should act in the future. We should now go to every country we go to in a targeted manner. Our presentations should be tailored to the needs of the audience we are addressing.”
Opening remarks were delivered by Lia Riris, deputy director general of Invest Cyprus, while the evening concluded with a round table discussion moderated by the President of the UK-Cyprus Business Council, Peter Droussiotis.
The event was also attended by key representatives from Cyprus’ business and investment circles, including Marios Charalambides, treasurer of the Cyprus investment funds association, Marios Andreou, president of the Cyprus-British business association, Philokypros Rousounides, secretary general of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), and Demetrios Zoppos, Co-founder of the 33 East investment fund.
According to the organisers, the evening proved productive, with participants exchanging valuable ideas and raising critical questions about Cyprus’ business environment, including geopolitical considerations.
The discussions emphasised Cyprus’ emergence as a hub for international entrepreneurship, backed by a strong and diversified economy, a competitive tax and business regime, and a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Other advantages highlighted included a multilingual talent pool, advanced infrastructure and a growing focus on sectors such as energy, technology and finance.
Reflecting on the event, Papanastasiou said it was a success, not only in terms of turnout, but also the quality of dialogue.
“We also received many questions from the young audience that attended the event. It seemed that the new generation of investors has a particular interest in new technologies,” he said.
“Among them, we also saw many Cypriots who are interested in returning and creating in their homeland,” the minister concluded.
