London event highlights Cyprus as a gateway for global investments (pics)

With the aim of showcasing Cyprus' strategic position as a top destination for foreign direct investment and enhancing international partnerships across various sectors, an event titled 'Cyprus: A Gateway for Global Investments and Strategic Cooperation' took place in the heart of the City in London.

Entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and other professionals who attended the 27 May event exchanged views and posed key questions about the investment opportunities available in Cyprus.

According to the organisers, it was a productive evening filled with valuable ideas expressed during high-level discussions that took place.

Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry, George Papanastasiou, delivered the keynote address.

"Today, our goal was to convey the message that Cyprus is interested in attracting British investors to come and see what is currently being done differently," Papanastasiou told CNA. He also noted, that "our presence this time was more targeted toward what Cyprus offers to British investors. And I believe this is how we should act going forward. Each time we visit a country, our approach should be focused. Our presentations should be tailored to the needs of the audience we are addressing."

The opening speech was delivered by the Deputy Director General of Invest Cyprus, Lia Riris.

The evening concluded with a roundtable discussion moderated by Peter Droussiotis, Chairman of the UK-Cyprus Enterprise Council.

Participants included Marios Charalambides, Treasurer of the Cyprus Investment Funds Association, Marios Andreou, President of the Cyprus-UK Business Association, Philokypros Roussounides, Secretary General of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and Demetrios Zoppos, Founder of the investment fund, 33East.

It was emphasised that Cyprus has evolved into a significant hub for international business, offering among other things a strong and diversified economy, an investment-friendly tax and business regime and a strategic geographic location between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Moreover, the country offers a skilled, multilingual workforce and advanced infrastructure, while at the same time, Cyprus prioritises sectors such as energy, technology, and finance, attracting investors seeking opportunities in the wider region, it was added.

After the event, Minister Papanastasiou told CNA that, in his view, the event was a success. This was evident, first and foremost, from the turnout, he said. Secondly, from the nature of the questions received, which he described as very insightful, even touching on geopolitical issues. Many questions also came from the younger audience present, he noted. “The new generation of investors, as shown by the high-level questions they asked, demonstrates a particular interest in new technologies. Among them, we also saw many young Cypriots who are considering returning home and contributing to the country,” he concluded.

(Source: CNA)