The 65th Annual General Assembly of the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB) is taking place today, in the shadow of the war situation in the Middle East, which triggered - among other things - a new energy shock, sending oil prices soaring.
The Annual General Meeting of the Federation is taking place at The Landmark Nicosia, Autograph Collection, from 11.45am and in the presence of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, who will deliver an address.
In addition to the President of the Republic, the President of the OEB, George Pantelides, the President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI), Stavros Stavrou, and the President of the Executive Committee and Vice Chair of the Board of SEV Hellenic Federation of Enterprises, Rania Ekaterinari, will deliver speeches and greetings at the General Assembly.
Based on the schedule, the Assembly's proceedings are expected to last 70 minutes and will be broadcast live from OEB's online channels on Youtube and Facebook, as well as from Vouli TV and City Channel.
The messages that the President of the OEB will send
It is worth mentioning that, according to the President of the OEB, the presence of the President of the Republic at the Federation's General Assembly provides the opportunity to clearly highlight the priorities of the economy and the needs of businesses, in an environment of increased geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
As he characteristically mentioned in a recent interview with InBusinessNews, the basic and central message that will be sought to be highlighted concerns the need to strengthen the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy, as a fundamental condition for maintaining the country's development momentum.
"In a period where businesses are being called upon to operate in an environment of increased costs, intense international competition and continuous changes, competitiveness is not an abstract concept, but a critical factor for survival and development," he added, noting that "it will be emphasised that Cyprus must move swiftly and decisively towards reforms that strengthen the business environment."
According to the President of OEB, coordinated action, substantive dialogue and speed in decisions are required so that the economy remains on a growth trajectory.
"Reducing bureaucracy, accelerating licensing procedures, enhancing the efficiency of public administration and promoting digital governance are critical pillars for creating a modern and investment-friendly framework," he pointed out.
In addition to the above, Pantelides continued, "particular emphasis will be given to the issue of the operating costs of businesses, which in recent years has increased significantly, directly affecting their competitiveness."
"Energy costs, financing costs, and overall operating costs are determining factors that influence investment decisions and the viability of many businesses," he explained, emphasising that "the need for targeted policies that will contribute to containing or even reducing these burdens is more urgent than ever."
"Improving the business environment is not just a concern of the business community, but a basic prerequisite for the sustainable development of the country as a whole," he underlined, concluding by noting that "OEB's message to the Government remains consistent and clear, that coordinated action, substantive dialogue and speed in decisions are required so that the economy remains on a growth trajectory despite the challenges."
(Source: InBusinessNews)
