"The main challenge was understanding the local environment and adapting to the specific characteristics of the market and its people. This requires time, consistency, and investment in relationships of trust. The Cypriot market is not the same as the Greek one. It has its own rules, which must be respected."
The establishment of the Association of Greek Professionals in Cyprus (SELEK) comes at a time when the Greek professional presence on the island has gained scale, quality, and a clear growth trajectory.
SELEK President Constantinos Ntaltas, also Managing Director of Redwolf Ogilvy, discusses in his interview with InBusinessNews the Association’s role, its priorities for the coming period, and the prospects of the community it represents.
What is SELEK’s core mission and what strategic goals have you set for its first years of operation?
SELEK’s mission is the structured representation and strengthening of the Greek professional community in Cyprus through a framework of collaboration and institutional presence. The goal is to create a strong network that operates consistently and delivers tangible value to its members.
In terms of priorities, we focus on networking, developing synergies, strengthening our presence in institutional decision-making centers, and creating initiatives that enhance extroversion and business opportunities.
Why was the establishment of SELEK deemed necessary at this particular moment and not earlier? What has changed in recent years regarding the Greek professional presence in Cyprus?
In recent years, a clearly more dynamic and multi-sector presence of Greek professionals and businesses has emerged in Cyprus. This development created the need for an organized body capable of collectively representing this community and coordinating its actions. The timing reflects this maturity. Today, the conditions exist for structured and institutional representation with a clear direction.
What is the profile of your members or prospective members, and in which sectors are they active?
SELEK is aimed at Greek professionals, entrepreneurs, and scientists who operate in Cyprus with consistency and professionalism. These are individuals and businesses with an outward-looking orientation and an active presence in the market. The sectors are broad and include financial services, technology, legal and advisory services, energy, construction, healthcare, and education.
What benefits will a member gain in terms of networking, representation, training, and business opportunities?
Membership in SELEK enhances networking through an organized and reliable environment. Members gain access to collaborations and a network of professionals with shared characteristics and goals. At the same time, collective representation is ensured, while through actions and initiatives, support for members is strengthened at all levels. Conditions are also created for the development of business opportunities both locally and internationally.
Do you know how many Greek nationals reside on the island and how many Greek companies are currently operating in Cyprus?
There is no single, fully up-to-date dataset that accurately captures these figures. Even this reality -the lack of a clear record of Greek professionals in Cyprus- confirms the gap that existed in the market, which SELEK has come to fill.
Despite the lack of data, the market indicates a community that is steadily growing and has a significant presence across many sectors of the economy. This dynamic confirms the need for a body that can act in a coordinating role and strengthen the community’s presence.
SELEK operates under the auspices of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). How is this relationship translated in practice?
The relationship with the CCCI strengthens the Association’s institutional standing and facilitates its connection with the broader business environment. There is the possibility of collaboration on actions and initiatives, as well as participation in institutional processes. This creates a stable operational framework and enhances the effectiveness of the Association’s interventions.
What is the registration process and criteria? What must a Greek professional or business do to become a member?
The registration process is carried out through the Association’s official website, www.selek.cy, by submitting an application, which is reviewed by SELEK’s competent committee. The goal is to maintain a network characterized by consistency, reliability, and active participation.
As a Greek entrepreneur operating in Cyprus, what were the biggest challenges you faced in your early steps and how did you manage them?
The main challenge was understanding the local environment and adapting to the specific characteristics of the market and its people. This requires time, consistency, and investment in relationships of trust. The Cypriot market is not the same as the Greek one. It has its own rules, which must be respected. Major business names (executives and companies) came from Greece but failed to adapt to the Cypriot reality and exited Cyprus very quickly. Stability and credibility are decisive factors for gradual growth.
Based on your experience, what are the main advantages and weaknesses of the Cypriot business environment for a fellow Greek professional today?
Cyprus offers a flexible and accessible business environment with immediate access to networks and collaboration opportunities. Its international orientation creates growth prospects. At the same time, the size of the market and the availability of specialized human capital are factors that require careful management. For a professional with a strategic approach, the environment remains particularly attractive.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
