China Enterprises Chamber in Cyprus holds first annual meeting in Limassol

The Founding Ceremony and First Annual Meeting of the China Enterprises Chamber in Cyprus (CECC) took place on 25 June 2025 at the Phoenix Conference Room of the St Raphael Resort in Limassol, marking a significant milestone in China–Cyprus economic relations.

The event brought together leading figures from both the Chinese and Cypriot communities, including Liu Yantao, Ambassador of China to Cyprus, and Yiannis Panayiotou, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance of Cyprus, alongside members of the newly established CECC and representatives of Chinese enterprises operating across the island.

Delivering the keynote address, Liu Yantao spoke of the deepening ties between China and Cyprus, recalling key diplomatic milestones over the past five decades. Ambassador Liu highlighted the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in 2021 and praised the growing presence of Cypriot products such as halloumi, wine and juices in Chinese markets.

“This event presents a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the over half century of enduring friendship between China and Cyprus, to explore the vast potential for win-win economic and trade cooperation, and to put forward hopes and suggestions for the future work of CECC.”

Ambassador Liu also outlined the long-standing and close cooperation between the two nations:“Thanks to the guidance of our leaders, the China-Cyprus exchanges and cooperation have continued to expand and deepen. Specifically, bilateral trade reached nearly one billion euros in 2024, making China the second largest trading partner and the second largest source of imports for Cyprus. Meanwhile, high-quality Cypriot products such as wine, halloumi, and juice have made their way to Chinese households through platforms such as the China International Import Expo and JD.com, an online e-commerce platform.”

Ending his speech Ambassador Liu stressed that the CECC is also expected to strengthen its cooperation with the Cypriot business community, including the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and Cyprus China Business Association (CCBA), so as to foster synergy to advance the China-Cyprus economic and trade cooperation.

In his opening remarks, Wang Wenxu, Chairman of CECC, expressed deep gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for its ongoing support and guidance, as well as to the Government and people of Cyprus for fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment for Chinese businesses.

“This organisation is not merely a pursuit of profit, but a foundation of trust. It will be a bridge for collaboration, a platform for integration, and a bond between peoples,” Wang noted. He reaffirmed CECC’s mission to advance win-win cooperation, support Chinese enterprises with legal and market insight as well as contribute meaningfully to Cypriot society.

As Cyprus looks ahead to its EU Presidency in 2026 and the 55th anniversary of China–Cyprus diplomatic relations, the establishment of CECC signals a renewed commitment to long-term partnership. It reflects not only the aspirations of Chinese enterprises in Cyprus, but also the enduring friendship and shared vision between two nations that continue to find common ground across cultures, economies, and futures.