Opens in a new tab

Breaking news

Cyprus Eyes Strategic Qatari Investment in Real Estate, Technology, and Financial Services

Cyprus is intensifying its efforts to attract Qatari investors by leveraging its strategic advantages in real estate, technology, and financial services. This initiative, which aims to deepen bilateral ties, reflects a broader strategy to infuse the island’s economy with strategic capital and open up new avenues for cross-border collaboration.

Strengthening Economic Ties

During a high-level visit to Doha, Cyprus Energy Minister George Papanastasiou engaged with Rashid bin Hamad Al-Athba, Second Vice President of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to discuss potential investment opportunities. These discussions emphasized enhancing economic cooperation and identifying sectors ripe for joint ventures that will benefit both nations.

Favorable Investment Climate

Al-Athba expressed strong support for the minister’s proposals, citing Qatar’s robust investment climate and underscoring the chamber’s commitment to bolstering business relations. He highlighted the rising interest of Qatari investors in Cyprus, a trend bolstered by longstanding bilateral relations and regulatory reforms that position the island as an optimal gateway to the European Union.

Strategic Proposals and Future Engagements

Minister Papanastasiou proposed the establishment of a joint technical committee, building on the Memorandum of Understanding already in place between the two chambers. This committee is expected to focus on sectors including infrastructure, property, artificial intelligence, IT, and financial services, further leveraging Cyprus’ EU membership and strategic location.

Inviting Strategic Capital

In a move to consolidate these efforts, the minister extended an invitation to Qatari investors to participate in the forthcoming Investopia Forum, scheduled in Cyprus from June 7 to 9, 2025. The forum is designed to showcase regional investment opportunities and underscore the island’s readiness for high-impact, cross-border projects.

As Cyprus continues its economic transformation, these strategic initiatives not only reinforce its appeal as an international business hub but also signal a compelling invitation to global investors seeking to capitalize on emerging market 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
Uol
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter