The Association of Industrialists of Agios Athanasios recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Gala Dinner attended by President Nikos Christodoulides, among other dignitaries and members of the Cyprus business world.
In his address at the event, Christodoulides said, “This is, undoubtedly, an important milestone, an event that gives us the opportunity to honor the course of the Association, but also the long-term contribution of the businesses operating in the Agios Athanasios Industrial Area to the economic and productive life of Limassol and Cyprus more broadly.”
He noted that the Agios Athanasios Industrial Area was established in 1978 “during a very difficult period for our country, four years after the Turkish invasion, and, with its expansion in the early 2000s, it evolved into one of the most important industrial and business activity centers of Limassol. Today, it occupies an area of 116 industrial plots, which are leased, while approximately 140 businesses operate on its premises.”
“Behind these numbers are people, business initiatives, investments, jobs and, most importantly, the daily effort of Cypriot businesses to create and produce within a difficult geopolitical environment,” the President continued, going on to underline the Association’s “ essential and decisive” role in this journey.
On his part, Association President Vasos Demetriades highlighted the body’s achievements over the past year and outlined plans to improve safety, infrastructure and the quality of life in the Industrial Area, as it celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Key achievements include the creation of a new temporary emergency exit and extensive asphalt paving across the area, improving road infrastructure, traffic flow and safety.
Looking ahead, he noted that the Association is calling for additional security measures, including surveillance cameras, fencing and access control, as well as a comprehensive emergency response and evacuation plan that could also benefit other industrial areas in Cyprus.
Demetriades’ speech also highlighted the success of the Industrial Area’s kindergarten, which is being expanded in collaboration with the local authority. Plans are also underway for a Community Services Centre offering facilities such as a bank, pharmacy, restaurant, cafeteria, gym, training areas and a creative activity space for children up to the age of 15. However, the project remains pending due to an unresolved issue concerning the return of the entire plot originally granted to the Association. Demetriades stressed that the return of the whole plot, rather than part of it, was essential for the project to proceed.
Another major initiative, the Association President mentioned, is the proposed Green Park, covering more than 25,000 square metres, which aims to provide a recreational space for workers while improving the environment and the overall appearance of the Industrial Area. The Association is seeking funding and partnerships to bring the project to fruition.
Concluding, Demetriades thanked the Association’s members, previous and current boards, state agencies, local authorities, partners and sponsors for their contributions. He reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to developing a modern, safe, functional and people-oriented Industrial Area that supports businesses, workers and their families.
“Forty years on, we have every reason to be proud. But we know that we still have much to offer and fight for. I want to thank everyone who contributed to the course of the Association, the previous and current Boards of Directors, the state agencies, the local government, our partners and, above all, our members for their long-standing trust and support,” he saod, adding, “Our goal remains a modern, safe, functional and humane Industrial Area, worthy of its businesses and people.”
The Gala Dinner also saw the Association recognise the contribution of Dr. Andreas Pittas, describing him as “a distinguished personality, a man with vision, values and multidimensional contribution.”
He was presented with the ‘Award for Corporate and Social Contribution to Health, the Environment, the Common Good, the Cyprus Economy and the Association of Industrialists of Agios Athanasios.’
As part of the event, an anniversary video was shown with moments from the historical journey and work of the Association during its 40 years of activity. This was followed by a video dedicated to the career and multidimensional contribution of Dr. Andreas Pittas.
In a particularly symbolic moment, the Association offered the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the anniversary stamp sheet issued on the occasion of the completion of 40 years since its establishment.
The event was attended, among others, by the President of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, the Minister of Health, the former Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government, state services, professional organizations, and the business community, as well as members and associates of the Association.
