Evgenios Evgeniou invites skilled UK Cypriots to let their personal stories become part of Cyprus' story

Evgenios Evgeniou, the Chairman of Invest Cyprus, noted that his organisation is playing an important role in growing the economy of Cyprus at the 'Minds in Cyprus' brain gain event in London, hosted by his organisation, the Cypriot government, and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

According to Evgeniou, 2023 was a landmark year for Cyprus with €3.2 billion in foreign investment, a 129% increase over the previous year, and the creation of 2,500 new jobs.

In 2024, 440 companies established themselves in Cyprus, creating more than 1,500 new jobs. This made Cyprus one of the top economies in the EU and recent studies show Cyprus as a regional hub for tech, fintech, gaming, business. Cyprus is a strong innovator, and has one of the strongest startups scene in the EU.

"You will hear the stories of Cypriots who have returned. You will discover the new developments that are transforming the Cypriot economy. You will be informed about the supportive framework that has been established for those of you considering returning. You will connect with the 20 companies that came here to meet yo," Evgeniou said, in his address, which was given in Greek.

"I invite you to think about how your own personal story can become part of the next chapter of our country's story," he concluded.

Evgeniou's full speech, translated from the original Greek, can be seen below:

Your Excellency President of the Republic of Cyprus,

Honourable Ministers,

Honourable High Commissioner,

Distinguished guests,

Dear friends,

It is with great pleasure that I am with you, in the city where I studied and began my professional career, to welcome you to today's event, organised by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Invest. Cyprus , for the launch of 'Mind in Cyprus ', a national strategy under the leadership of President Christodoulides.

Invest​ Cyprus , the national investment agency, plays a key role in attracting and facilitating foreign investment and acts as the point of contact for foreign businesses and investors in Cyprus.

Foreign investments are a key pillar for the economic development of our country, the creation of new jobs, and the development of new sectors of economic activity.

2023 was a landmark year for Cyprus with €3.2 billion in foreign investment, a 129% increase over the previous year, and the creation of 2,500 new jobs.

In 2024, 440 companies established themselves in Cyprus, creating more than 1,500 new jobs.

It is important that the foreign companies that have settled there continue to grow and have human resource needs.

The country ranks second in the EU in foreign investment per capita and is among the top 10 countries worldwide.

The EU economic forecast for Cyprus, published just three days ago, projects continued economic growth — 3% for 2025 and 2.5% for 2026 — placing Cyprus in the top four in the EU. The forecast notes full employment conditions and a positive fiscal outlook, with debt as a percentage of GDP falling below 60% by the end of the year.

The report highlights the transformation of the Cypriot economy and predicts strong investment flows in new sectors such as technology.

The technology sector currently contributes directly and indirectly 14% of Cyprus' GDP and, according to a recent report, supports more than 62,000 jobs. An ecosystem that has developed in recent years.

These figures highlight Cyprus' position as an emerging regional hub for technology, financial technologies (fintech), gaming , and of course shipping, financial services, education and business process outsourcing.

Furthermore, Cyprus is among the top 10 innovators in Europe and the only country in Southern Europe to be ranked as a Strong Innovator, boasting an attractive research ecosystem, with seven centres of excellence, nine research institutes, 12 universities, more than 3,500 researchers and the fastest growing startup ecosystem in the EU.

In the last three years, more than 15,000 foreign specialized professionals have settled in Cyprus. They have chosen our country to live and work. Is it time for you to think about it too?

President Christodoulides' initiative to invite you to contribute to shaping the future of Cyprus comes at a dynamic period for our country.

With strong growth, increasing foreign investment, the economy in Category A, full employment conditions, development of new sectors of activity and a strengthened geopolitical footprint.

The Minds in Cyprus is a decisive step in harnessing the potential of Cypriots worldwide, to create a better future.

Tonight:

• You will hear the stories of Cypriots who have returned.
  • You will discover the new developments that are transforming the Cypriot economy.
  • You will be informed about the supportive framework that has been established for those of you considering returning.
  • You will connect with the 20 companies that came here to meet you — whom I thank for their presence.

Thanks also to the Cypriots in the City and all the speakers.

'Minds in Cyprus' is not just a programme. It is a long-term national strategy. A strategy that reflects the commitment of the President and the government to reconnect with you, the he minds of Cyprus abroad, and to ask you to participate in shaping the tomorrow of our homeland.

On behalf of our friend the President of the CCCI, we thank you for being with us today.

I invite you to think about how your own personal story can become part of the next chapter of our country's story.

Thank you.