Cyprus advertised in Japan as a rising tech leader

Giorgos Papanastasiou, the minister of commerce, and Demetris Skourides, the chief scientist for research, innovation, and technology for the republic, recently travelled to Japan to promote Cyprus as a hub for growing technology and as a foundation for worldwide business.

This was a part of the government's effort to attract Japanese business executives and investors by showcasing Cyprus' ambitious future vision, which includes serving as a base for global companies and a centre for cutting-edge technology.

The mission took part in a business forum organised by the commerce ministry, the Chamber of Commerce (Keve), the Cyprus-Japan Business Association, and the Trade Center in Japan. The forum provided Papanastasiou with a prime opportunity to show Cyprus’ competitive advantages as an international business location.

Papanastasiou presented Cyprus’ new strategy to attract international businesses and specialised personnel, highlighting the Business Facilitation Unit within his Ministry as the central “Point of Contact” for businesses aiming to establish or expand in Cyprus.

Chief Scientist Skourides delivered a presentation on “Cyprus as an emerging technology hub,” which outlined the “Cyprus 2035” long-term strategy which aims to make Cyprus one of the most desirable countries for living, working, and investing in.

He detailed the progress in the technology sector, the developing research and innovation ecosystem, and the government’s digital transition strategies, focusing on the Digital Citizen initiative and on contemporary challenges in big data and artificial intelligence. Skourides also referred to the importance of cybersecurity in transforming Cyprus into a regional information hub.

He talked in-depth on the role played by the seven Centres of Excellence in Cyprus, emphasising their benefits to a range of industries and how they serve as hubs for startups by offering tech resources, infrastructural access, and advisory services.

These centres include CMMI for marine research, Phaethon for energy and renewables, Biobank for health and biogenetics, KIOS for IT and communications, CYENS for cultural heritage and augmented reality, ERATOSTHENIS for space research, and EMME-CARE for climate and environmental studies.

Skourides also emphasised the incentives Cyprus offers to foreign investors in research, innovation, and technology sectors and discussed potential collaboration areas like robotics, energy, AI, shipping, space, and biotechnology.

The presentation also featured a panel discussion of representatives from Cypriot tech companies like Ideagen Tritan, EFEVRE TECH, and the Cyprus Space Agency, who spoke about the innovative solutions they offer and what distinguishes them in the global marketplace.

The event also included smeetings with executives from companies like REIMEI, ARTEVITE, JAOPS, Kinsui, MANSEISYA, Wargaming, Worldwide Media, and an EU – Japan Centre representative.

The forum drew interest from foreign investors and the Japanese business community alike. Among its guests were the EU Ambassador to Japan, Jean-Eric Paquet, Nobutaka Maekawa of the Japan Trade Organisation.