A central priority of the Government is to ensure that public investment translates into tangible benefits for citizens, said Minister of Transport, Communication and Works, Alexis Vafeades, at the 9th Project Management Institute Cyprus Chapter Conference, held on Friday at Hilton Nicosia.
He added that the Ministry is responsible for handling large-scale and highly complex projects with a total budget of approximately pound 1.9 billion, whose value is not measured solely by construction progress or financial execution, but by their alignment with the Government’s broader development agenda and their long-term impact on the country’s progress.
According to Vafeades, the presence of professionals across all sectors of the business community, both public and private, throughout the country, underscores the importance of strengthening the culture of effective project management in Cyprus, something that the Government strongly supports and actively promotes.
He added that the conference offers a valuable platform for learning, for exchanging ideas and for presenting the latest methodologies and techniques in project management, contributing to a more mature and resilient project management ecosystem aligned with the Government’s priorities for modern governance.
‘Project management is the key to turning vision into reality. It is not just a process. ?t is the very backbone of every successful project. By planning meticulously, executing efficiently, and monitoring continuously, we can ensure that objectives are met on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards’, he continued, adding that effective project management reduces risks, strengthens communication, and ensures that resources are used wisely, delivering real value to the communities and the people that it serves.
‘At the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, effective project management lies at the very core of our mission. We are responsible for handling large-scale and highly complex projects such as transport infrastructure, ports, airports, and major public buildings, with a total budget of approximately pound 1.9 billion’, said the Minister.
He added that these projects shape the daily lives of citizens, support mobility, drive economic activity, and strengthen Cyprus’s competitiveness. ‘Their value is not measured solely by construction progress or financial execution, but by their alignment with the Government’s broader development agenda and their long-term impact on the country’s progress’, he noted.
‘The Government has made a clear commitment to modernize the way public projects are designed, delivered, and evaluated. We are integrating contemporary project management practices, introducing digital tools that enhance transparency and accountability, and promoting continuous training and upskilling. Through these reforms, we aim to build a public administration that is agile, efficient, and capable of responding to present and future challenges’, he further underlined.
A central priority of the Government is to ensure that public investment translates into tangible benefits for citizens, said Vafeadis, adding that ‘whether we are talking about a safer road network, more resilient public buildings, or upgraded transport infrastructure, every project is part of a wider national effort to enhance sustainable development, digital readiness, and the overall quality of life. These are not just projects-they are investments in Cyprus’s future’.
He also said that the Government also places great value on collaboration, as no major project can succeed without the combined expertise of the private sector, academia, and professional organizations.
He added that institutions such as the PMI Cyprus Chapter have played a fundamental role in elevating standards, expanding professional capacity, and promoting a shared culture of excellence. ‘We consider this cooperation fully aligned with the Government’s approach to building partnerships that strengthen national capabilities’, he commented.
According to the Minister, the challenges ahead -climate resilience, digital transformation, sustainable mobility, and infrastructure modernization- require coordinated action and a strong project management culture supported at the highest political level. ‘The Government is committed to navigating these challenges with determination, responsibility, and a clear strategic vision. Your work as project managers, engineers, planners, and leaders is essential for this effort’, he stressed.
In closing, he said that the conference represents an important opportunity to reflect, learn, and commit to continuous improvement and congratulated the organizers and all participants for their dedication and active engagement, while acknowledging the professionals, public and private, who “work tirelessly to deliver projects of high value and lasting impact”.
‘Your presence here today is proof that Cyprus has the professional capacity required to successfully plan and deliver complex projects that define our future. I wish you every success in your discussions and trust that the ideas exchanged will contribute to our country’s sustainable development and continued advancement’, concluded the Transport Minister.