CCCI "proudly supports and facilitates efforts to repatriate highly skilled diaspora professionals"

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) said it proudly supports efforts to repatriate highly skilled diaspora professionals, in a LinkedIn post the day after attending the “Minds in Cyprus” brain gain initiative took place at Guildhall in London, UK.

“Last night at the networking reception of the Brain Gain initiative ‘Minds in Cyprus’, CCCI President Mr Stavros Stavrou met with many participants and representatives from more than 20 leading Cyprus-based companies,” the CCCI – or KEVE as it is locally known – said, adding: “The CCCI proudly supports and facilitates their efforts to repatriate highly skilled diaspora professionals, strengthening both companies and the Cypriot economy.”

President Nikos Christodoulides presented the government’s Action Plan to repatriate Cypriot Talent during the event. Addressing over 750 participants and many others following the event online on the evening of 21 May, Christodoulides told highly-skilled Cypriots working in the UK: “Cyprus is changing and needs you all."

• Read more: President presents Action Plan for the Repatriation of Cypriot Talent in London

In a press release that followed, CCCI said: "The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry is delighted to announce the remarkable success of the inaugural event of the national Brain Gain Initiative 'Minds in Cyprus', held on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 at London’s historic Guildhall."

Hundreds of Cypriot professionals based in the UK attended in response to the joint invitation of the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, the CCCI and Invest Cyprus, "underscoring both their keen interest in returning home and the strength of the Cypriot economy in attracting high‑calibre talent", it added.

Opening remarks were delivered by Evgenios Evgeniou, Chairman of Invest Cyprus, and Phanos Theophanous, President of the "Cypriots in the City" network. Both speakers highlighted Cyprus’ sustained economic growth and the strategic importance of attracting top‑tier professionals to establish the island as a leading regional business hub.

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides presented the Government’s Action Plan, outlining a comprehensive package of tax, investment and social incentives that position Cyprus as an ideal career destination for highly skilled diaspora professionals. Under the theme “Reconnecting Talent, Transforming Cyprus,” he affirmed the State’s commitment to fostering an environment of innovation and opportunity.

A round‑table discussion entitled "A Changing Cyprus: New Horizons for Talent and Enterprise" followed, featuring CCCI President Stavros Stavrou, Deputy Minister to the President  Irene Piki and senior executives of international companies operating in Cyprus. The panel examined the strategic pillars of the island’s new economic model and the opportunities for investors, businesses and professionals in Cyprus.

The programme concluded with the panel “Why I Went Back: Stories of Return, Belonging and Impact,” during which six successful returnees shared their personal journeys of reintegration into the Cypriot business ecosystem, offering practical insights and advice to prospective repatriates.

A networking reception rounded off the evening, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with representatives of more than twenty leading Cypriot companies and research centres to explore career and collaboration opportunities in Cyprus.

"The success of this landmark event marks the launch of a concerted effort to turn Brain Drain into Brain Gain, laying a strong foundation for the initiative’s forthcoming actions," the CCCI concluded.