The session, organised by the Federation of Cyprus Building Contractors Associations (OSEOK) at Aphrodite Hills Resort in Paphos, was attended by Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis and representatives of key professional bodies, including the Cyprus Scientific Chamber (ETEK), the Civil Engineers Association (SPOLMIK), the Architects Association (SAK), the Quantity Surveyors’ Association (SEEOKK), the Joint Committee for Construction Contracts (MEDSK) and the Electrical Engineers Association (SEEMK).
Participants agreed to establish a working group comprising institutional bodies and professional associations from across the construction industry. The group is expected to meet monthly to assess sector data and discuss ongoing challenges.
OSEOK President Stelios Gavriil said the meeting reflected a shared commitment to cooperation and joint action across the sector, noting that “the presence of all of us here today sends a clear message: that there is a common will for cooperation, coordination and taking action for the future of the construction industry.”
He added that “all of us who are here today - the institutional bodies and professional associations - constitute the strength of the construction sector. We are the people who daily shape the course of the sector and, by extension, contribute substantially to the development of the economy and our country.”
Gavriil stressed that construction plays a central role in economic development, infrastructure delivery and investment attraction, while also supporting employment across multiple professions.
According to Gavriil, construction and real estate together contribute more than 15% to Cyprus’ GDP and employ around 47,000 people.
He added that in 2025, a total of 7,340 building permits were issued and 1,160 MEDSK contracts were signed, noting that “behind this activity lies a strong, technical and scientific human resource, which constitutes the basis for the development, innovation and quality of the projects.”
Data presented at the meeting showed that ETEK has 14,200 registered members, including 4,700 civil engineers, 3,300 architects, 3,100 mechanical engineers, 2,400 electrical engineers, 300 quantity surveyors and 400 land appraisers, as well as more than 2,200 registered contractors.
“All of us constitute the core of the industry. The professionals who, with our technical training and expertise, contribute daily to the shaping of the modern environments in which we live, work and create,” Gavriil said.
He added that “it is important to remember that behind these numbers are companies, employees, families - an entire business and productive ecosystem that supports the economy and contributes to the development of the country.”
Gavriil also highlighted the sector’s wider impact, noting that it supports industries such as tourism, services, transport, trade, energy, technology and education, and has a broader multiplier effect on the economy.
He concluded that “it is up to all of us - the state, institutions and professionals - to work in a coordinated manner, in order to further strengthen the sector and ensure its sustainable development,” adding that “the goal is to find ways to strengthen and enhance the construction industry.”
(Source: InBusinessNews)
