Cyprus is positioning itself as a strategic bridge between three continents, as highlighted during the recent EuroMED Days conference in Nicosia. The event, attended by Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki and Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou, focused on the urgent need to bolster economic cooperation, investment, and technological connectivity across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
During the conference, Invest Cyprus President Evgenios Evgeniou underscored the importance of Cyprus in offering stability during uncertain times, reinforcing its role as a connector of diverse regions.
Cyprus has been experiencing significant economic growth, boasting some of the highest rates in the European Union. The technology sector is increasingly influential, contributing approximately 14 per cent to the nation’s GDP, a figure that reflects the island’s evolving economic landscape.
ANIMA Investment Network President Tarak Chérif stressed the necessity of strengthening economic ties to create job opportunities for younger generations. In a similar vein, BusinessMed President Tarek Tawfik advocated for a collaborative approach to production, stating, “We must produce together and prosper together.”
Piki articulated that the Mediterranean region is not simply an area of strategic interest but a reality that demands proactive engagement. She identified four critical areas for future investment: energy infrastructure, digital connectivity, logistics corridors, and human capital.
In her address, Piki remarked, “We need greater joint capacity for action, more cooperation, and shared investments that create real added value for all.” This sentiment resonates with the overarching theme of the conference, which emphasised the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships.
World Investment Conference President James X. Zhan discussed the emergence of a tripolar economic model, proposing that the Mediterranean could serve as a vital regional production hub. Meanwhile, Damianou highlighted the potential for Cyprus to become a reliable digital gateway bridging Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, thereby enhancing technological autonomy within the region.
Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos also contributed valuable insights, pointing out the role of smaller cities as investment hubs. He explained that “Smaller cities like Nicosia can act as ideal testing laboratories for new technologies,” while emphasising the necessity for innovative financial tools to support urban infrastructure development.
