Cyprus and northern Greece explore closer business ties and joint investment opportunities

Thessaloniki, Greece. Cyprus and northern Greece are seeking to strengthen business ties and pursue joint investment opportunities in the Balkans and Arab markets. Thessaloniki is being promoted as a gateway for Cypriot companies expanding into south-east Europe.

Investment opportunities discussed

The prospects were discussed at an event titled “Investment Opportunities Cyprus–Northern Greece”, held in Thessaloniki on October 5 and organised by FMW in cooperation with the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The event formed part of the Cyprus Days initiative in Greece and was held under the auspices of the Cyprus embassy in Greece, the Thessaloniki chamber, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) and the Cyprus-Greece Business Association.

Joint access to regional markets

Greece’s Deputy Interior Minister responsible for Macedonia and Thrace, Konstantinos Gkioulekas, highlighted the scope for stronger cooperation between Cyprus and northern Greece, particularly through joint efforts targeting nearby markets.

According to the organisers, he pointed to the “great prospects” for creating synergies aimed at “joint penetration into nearby markets, such as the Arab countries and the Balkans”.

Gkioulekas also welcomed interest from Cypriot companies in using Thessaloniki and northern Greece as a “gateway” for their activities in the Balkans and eastern Europe.

Support for closer economic ties

Greece’s Deputy Development Minister Stavros Kalafatis said the Greek government welcomed “every form of economic and business cooperation between Cyprus and Greece”. He also highlighted prospects for joint initiatives centred on northern Greece.

Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis emphasised the role the city could play in helping Cypriot companies expand their activities in Greece.

Cyprus’ Consul in Thessaloniki, Konstantinos Polykarpou, welcomed growing interest from Cypriot businesses in northern Greece and referred to the close political, economic and commercial ties between the two countries.

In remarks read during the event, Keve secretary-general Philokypros Roussounides expressed the chamber’s support for broadening economic relations between Cyprus and Greece.