The new President of the Cyprus International Businesses Association (CIBA), Vasilis Demetriades, speaks to Politis Newspaper about the present and future on international businesses in Cyprus!
***“We need a holistic plan and policymaking that attracts foreign companies in a way that ensures multidimensional growth benefiting the whole society.”
***“We need a culture of governance that serves and is at the disposal of citizens and businesses—not just one that exercises authority.”
***“Educational institutions are not agile enough to adapt to modern labor market demands. There is a shortage in many specialties.”
***“Our universities and our entire educational approach should foster constructive curiosity that promotes critical thinking and creative alertness.”
***“If Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, the shipping sector and consequently the entire supply chain and tourism will be affected.”
***“Frictions are mainly observed in the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector. Time-consuming processes hinder foreign employees and their families.”
***“We have a long way to go regarding the factors that define quality of life in a country.”
***“Attracting foreign investment should not rely solely on low tax rates but also on knowledge transfer, education, and local workforce employment.”
***“Our geography, legal framework, EU membership, tax incentives, high-level professional services, and quality of life offer great appeal to foreign businesses.”
***“The government must remain alert and must listen – not just hear – to the business community”
***“Beyond shipping, Cyprus hosts companies in tech, forex, healthcare, education, and training.”
***“There is a massive inflow of foreign skilled labor to Cyprus due to geopolitical shifts and targeted government policies over the past decade.”
***“Cyprus will soon adopt a new legal framework via the Direct Foreign Investment Screening Mechanism.”
READ THE ORIGINAL GREEK VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW
READ THE TRANSLATED ENGLISH VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW