The Cyprus International Businesses Association (CIBA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Limassol, bringing together government officials, representatives from political parties, Αmbassadors, representatives from Chambers and Associations, business leaders, and members of the international business community. The AGM was addressed by the President of the House of Representatives Mrs. Annita Demetriou and the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Mr. Giorgos Papanastasiou, representing the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nikos Christodoulides.

The AGM marked a significant milestone for CIBA, featuring a formal leadership transition. CIBAs’ president Mrs. Doxia Nikia Hadjivassiliou who successfully served as President for seven years presented Mr. Vassilios Demetriades, former Deputy Minister of Shipping, as the new President of CIBA. Outgoing President Mrs. Hadjivassiliou expressed gratitude to CIBA members for their unwavering support  reflecting on a highly active term during which the Association played a key role in shaping national and EU-level policy.

Mrs. Hadjivassiliou called the government to focus on three (3) major legal developments that could affect the competitiveness of Cyprus economy, namely, the Foreign Direct Investment Screening Mechanism (FDIS); the Pillar II: Global Minimum Tax Legislation; and the Cyprus Tax Reform. Three developments on which CIBA is significantly contributing with constructive proposals with the view of maintaining and further enhancing the competitiveness of Cyprus as an international business centre.

In his keynote address the newly elected president Mr. Vassilios Demetriades outlined his vision for the Association presenting an action plan which focuses on members’ engagement, proactive participation in EU policymaking, innovation, public-private collaboration, and promoting Cyprus as a premier international business hub.

Mr. Demetriades emphasised the importance of the international business community in Cyprus, which contributes a crucial part of the island’s GDP, and emphasized the need for a proactive approach and clear vision by the government with regards to the international business community.

“CIBA is not just a stakeholder but a constructive partner. Our voice will remain strong, well-grounded in legal reasoning, and focused on what truly matters; keeping Cyprus attractive and competitive for international business” Mr. Demetriades stated.

The newly elected executive committee:

Mr. Vassilios Demetriades/UWGroup – President, Mrs. Doxia Nikia Hadjivassiliou/Fidelity Associates – Ex-Officio President.

Mr. Xanthos Kyriakou/Columbia Shipmanagement – Vice President, Mr. Kirill Korneychuk/Exante – Vice President.

Board Members: Mr. Pavlos Varnava/Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, Mr. Andreas Pishias/Geevo, Mr. Marios Fotiou/Avanti, Mr. Demetris Aletraris/EMMA Capital, Mrs. Michaella Pillakouri/Enalian Consulting, Mr. Marios Souroullas/Kendris, Mrs. Marianna Hadjiandoniou/Perha Group.

Mr. Valentinos Steliou/Mintra – Acting Manager General, Mrs. Margarita Alexandrou – Assistant General Manager.