cyprus innovation — The government is actively targeting UK investors to enhance the Cyprus innovation corridor. Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, is set to travel to London on February 26 to participate in the international investment forum titled ‘Investing in Cyprus: Risk, returns and FDI flows in the innovation corridor’. Organised by Invest Cyprus in collaboration with the Financial Times, the conference will take place at Bracken House.
Cyprus innovation: Gathering of Key Financial Stakeholders
The event aims to assemble fund managers, private market investors, institutional representatives, and business executives from the UK and across Europe. This initiative underlines the government’s strategy to bolster Cyprus’ international presence and attract high-quality foreign investment.
Focus on Investment Landscape
Piki will contribute to discussions centred on the investment landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean, examining the prospects for foreign direct investment (FDI) amid a shifting global economic backdrop. The programme will commence with remarks from Jacopo Dettoni, Editor of fDi Intelligence, followed by a welcome address from Evgenios Evgeniou, chairman of Invest Cyprus.
Exploring Investment Opportunities
The forum includes a fireside chat titled ‘Competing for capital – Risk, returns and FDI flows in the Eastern Mediterranean’. This discussion will assess how Cyprus’ growth, inflation, fiscal position, and sovereign ratings compare with other European and emerging markets. It will also explore recent trends in greenfield investment and cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
Capital Deployment in Key Sectors
Subsequently, the conversation will shift to potential capital deployment avenues. A dedicated panel will focus on technology, energy transition, and real assets, evaluating the region’s tech and ICT ecosystem. Investment prospects in renewable energy sectors such as solar, wind, and storage will be discussed, alongside opportunities in office, residential, hospitality, and logistics real estate.
Investment Vehicles for UK Stakeholders
The discussions will also cover which investment vehicles might be best suited for UK institutional investors looking for scale and regulatory certainty. As part of the agenda, geopolitics will be examined, particularly how regional tensions impact portfolio-level assumptions and how Eastern Mediterranean risk compares with other “edge of Europe” markets.
Regulatory Framework and Investor Protection
A significant aspect of the forum is a fireside chat titled ‘The regulators’ agenda – Rule of law, AIFMD and investor protection’. This session will delve into Cyprus’ English-law-based system, its EU membership, and the AIF and UCITS frameworks, alongside supervisory practices and licensing timelines.
Insights from Cypriot Officials
Among the notable Cypriot participants are George Theocharides, chairman of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), who is expected to shed light on regulatory supervision and investor protection. Philokypros Roussounides, secretary general of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), will represent the organised business community in discussions concerning investment conditions and economic reform.
Government’s Commitment to Economic Growth
During her address, Piki is anticipated to outline the government’s policy direction aimed at enhancing the credibility of the Cypriot economy. She will highlight reforms designed to improve the business environment and attract quality investments that promote sustainable development and economic diversification.
Cyprus as a Hub of Stability
Piki is expected to emphasise Cyprus’ strategic role as a stable hub within a region of increasing geo-economic significance. This includes the island’s contributions to connectivity, the energy transition, and fostering closer economic cooperation between Europe and neighbouring markets.
Strengthening Foreign Direct Investment
Piki’s presence in London, alongside President Nikos Christodoulides, reflects the government’s steadfast commitment to outward engagement. The overarching aim is to solidify foreign direct investment flows, strengthen ties with strategic partners, and translate growth into quality job opportunities and tangible benefits for the local economy.
