Opens in a new tab

Breaking news

Building a New Strategic Partnership: Cyprus and India’s Economic Alliance

In an ambitious step towards strengthening bilateral relations, Cyprus and India have announced plans to fortify their economic ties, following a landmark visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During a pivotal business forum in Limassol, Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides dubbed the visit as a critical juncture for Cyprus-India relations, catalyzing investment opportunities across various sectors.

Positioned as the southeasternmost member of the EU, Cyprus offers Indian businesses a geographically strategic entryway into Europe, enhanced by its stable economy and burgeoning technology sector.

The historic visit has laid a robust foundation for cooperation in technology, AI, digital infrastructure, and beyond—aligning mutual goals of sustainable development and technological innovation.

Acknowledging Cyprus as a vital economic partner, Modi celebrated the creation of the India-Cyprus-Greece business and investment council as a platform for economic synergy.

Endorsing the growth potential, Chrisodoulides highlighted Cyprus’ pivotal role in the Indian-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), positioning the island as a key entry point and economic hub.

Inspiring announcements included Indian AI firms establishing operations in Cyprus, boosting the island’s tech ecosystem, as part of a broader vision for a knowledge-driven economy. These developments align with Cyprus’s commitment to infrastructural modernization and economic diversification.

Adding to this dynamic landscape, Cypriot banks, such as Eurobank, have partnered with India’s financial technology, incorporating India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to revolutionize cross-border payment services.

Furthermore, the partnership reflects broader regional ambitions. Leaders shared visions for integrating technological systems to bolster the regional economy, shedding light on future-oriented opportunities.

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

  • Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
  • Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
  • Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
  • Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
  • Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
  • Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
  • Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.

eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Aretilaw firm
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter