CCCI: Strengthening Economic and Business Relations
between Cyprus and China
New opportunities for trade and investment cooperation
highlighted at business forum in Nicosia
The prospects for further strengthening economic and commercial relations between Cyprus and China, with particular emphasis on developing business partnerships, attracting investment and fostering closer ties between local and regional authorities, were at the centre of the China-Cyprus Subnational Exchange and Cooperation Forum and Business Forum, held on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at the premises of the CCCI in Nicosia.
Organised in cooperation with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Cyprus and the Cyprus-China Business Association, the Forum brought together representatives of the business communities, local authorities and institutions of both countries, with the aim of exploring new opportunities for trade, investment and broader economic cooperation.
In his opening address, the Secretary General of the CCCI, Mr Philokypros Roussounides, highlighted the longstanding and friendly relations between Cyprus and China, founded on mutual respect and trust, as a solid basis for further expanding economic cooperation. He emphasised that the strategic partnership between the two countries provides a favourable framework that should be translated into concrete initiatives delivering tangible benefits for businesses and both economies.
Referring to the prospects for bilateral cooperation, Mr Roussounides noted that China, as one of the world’s leading economic powers and a major force in technology, innovation and manufacturing, offers significant growth opportunities for Cypriot businesses. At the same time, he highlighted Cyprus’ competitive advantages as a Member State of the European Union, pointing to its strategic geographical location, modern business environment, highly skilled workforce and well-established professional services sector, which make the country an attractive destination for Chinese investment and business activity.
Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of cooperation between local and regional authorities, institutions and business organisations, as well as the need to translate dialogue into meaningful and sustainable partnerships. In this context, Mr Roussounides referred to the agreement between Top Kinisis and Zhejiang Overseas (Ningbo) International Travel Service Co., Ltd. as a concrete example of the opportunities emerging for closer cooperation, particularly in the tourism sector.
Mr Roussounides reaffirmed the CCCI’s firm commitment to supporting the international outreach of Cypriot businesses, promoting bilateral trade and investment, and facilitating direct engagement between the business communities of the two countries.
The Forum also featured addresses by H.E. Mr Yang Yundong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Cyprus, and Mr Theo Parperis, President of the Cyprus-China Business Association. Representatives of the Chinese delegation also delivered remarks, including Mr Wang Rong, Director-General of the Standing Committee of the Yancheng Municipal People’s Congress, Mr Yan Xiaoping, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Dazhou Municipal Committee, and Mr Jiao Shuanglin, Deputy Director General of the Ningbo Foreign Affairs Office.
On behalf of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kyriakos Iordanou, highlighted the importance of bilateral trade relations, Cyprus’ strategic position as a gateway to the European Union, and opportunities for new investments.
Ambassador Yang Yundong emphasised the importance of strengthening practical cooperation between the two countries, particularly through sister-city partnerships, tourism, innovation and emerging technologies, while highlighting Cyprus’ role as a bridge between China and the European Union. Mr Parperis referred to the growing significance of bilateral trade relations and the opportunities for business cooperation, leveraging Cyprus’ strategic geographical position. Representatives of the Chinese cities presented their respective development prospects, highlighting opportunities in renewable energy, electric mobility, digital innovation, manufacturing, agriculture, transport and logistics, as well as the importance of strengthening cooperation between local and regional authorities.
The Forum also included contributions from Mr Andreas Vyras, President of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities and Mayor of Larnaca, Mr Charalambos Prountzos, Mayor of Nicosia, Mr Marios Tannousis, CEO of Invest Cyprus, Mr Andreas, and Mr Marinos Kyriacou, Deputy Mayor of Amathounta.
In their interventions, the Cypriot representatives highlighted opportunities for further cooperation with China in sectors of mutual interest, including shipping, tourism, education, financial services, renewable energy and smart-city development. Particular emphasis was placed on knowledge exchange between local authorities, modern urban planning, innovation and Centres of Excellence, as well as cultural heritage preservation. The speakers also highlighted Cyprus’ competitive advantages as an attractive investment destination and the importance of developing meaningful partnerships between businesses, institutions and educational organisations in both countries.
An important part of the programme was the scheduled signing of a cooperation agreement between Top Kinisis and Zhejiang Overseas (Ningbo) International Travel Service Co., Ltd., in the tourism sector.
The Forum concluded with a series of targeted business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking meetings, providing Cypriot and Chinese companies with the opportunity to establish direct contacts and explore new prospects for trade and investment cooperation.
Through initiatives of this nature, the CCCI continues to support the internationalisation of the Cypriot business community and contribute to the further strengthening of economic relations between Cyprus and China.