Strengthening Cyprus-Estonia Economic Ties
The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Keve) recently hosted the ‘Cyprus-Estonia: Promoting Bilateral Collaborations‘ event during the official visit of Estonian President Alar Karis to Cyprus. This initiative aimed to bolster the bilateral relations and encourage partnerships between businesses from both nations, particularly in shipping, cybersecurity, and information technology.
Keve president Stavros Stavrou, in his welcome speech, lauded the strategic partnership between the two EU member states. He emphasized the importance of leveraging these relationships to foster long-term cooperation and uncover business opportunities in various sectors.
President Karis highlighted the potential benefits for Estonian businesses in Cyprus, citing the country’s strategic location and business-friendly climate. He pointed out that Cyprus is a hub for international businesses, boasting modern infrastructure and a workforce with specialized knowledge. “Shipping is one area where we could significantly enhance our cooperation,” President Karis remarked. He also praised both countries’ commitment to digital entrepreneurship, which boosts productivity and profitability.
Estonia’s achievements in digitization were also underscored by President Karis. He proudly mentioned that most Estonian public services are digitized and that Estonian companies are keen to export this knowledge and collaborate with Cypriot counterparts.
The event featured presentations from key Cypriot figures such as Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou, and Chief Scientist of Research and Technology Demetris Skourides. They presented Cyprus’ burgeoning innovation and startup ecosystem, highlighting the country’s potential as a rising hub in research, technology, and innovation. Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hatdjmanolis spoke about the prospects for Cyprus’ shipping sector’s growth.
Representatives from Estonia, Riina Palu and Merit Kindsigo, shared insights on the activities of the Estonian Maritime Cluster and potential areas for cooperation. The event also showcased the products and services of 11 companies accompanying President Karis.
Private meetings between Cypriot and Estonian companies from the highlighted sectors took place as part of the forum. The event saw participation from members of Cyprus’ business community, academia, and public sector, indicating a strong interest in fostering closer economic ties between Cyprus and Estonia.
