The number of professional and business associations that have been established and operate under the auspices of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has now reached 170, covering a broad spectrum of the Cypriot economy, according to Mr. Andreas Andreou, Deputy Secretary General of CCCI. The sectors represented include manufacturing, exports, energy, shipping, commerce, tourism, services, and innovation.
These associations represent tens of thousands of businesses and professionals, playing a decisive role in policymaking and the economic development of the country. The associations of the CCCI operate as institutionalized bodies of representation and cooperation with the State and other social partners, significantly contributing to the identification of the needs and proposals of the Cypriot business community.
Specifically, under the auspices of the CCCI operate: 38 Bilateral Business Associations with other countries; 35 Associations in the field of Production (Industry and Agricultural Economy), among which are associations for flour milling, bakery, dried nuts, animal feed, pharmaceutical industries, winemaking, packaging, poultry farming, and pig farming; 17 Associations in the field of Commerce, representing importers, distributors, agents, pharmaceutical warehouses, building materials, and retail trade. Additionally, there are 71 Associations in Services, in sectors such as shipping, tourism, insurance services, accounting and law firms, education, wellness, advertising, energy, and fintech.
It is noted that the associations also include key figures from specialized professional sectors, such as bioenergy producers, transporters, vehicle technicians, innovators, as well as organizations that promote equality, youth, and women entrepreneurs.
CARIE at the Forefront of Innovation
The Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises (CARIE) is showing particularly dynamic activity. Founded in 2010, it is the central association of Cypriot enterprises active in the fields of research, technological development, and innovation. CARIE, a member of the CCCI, has as its mission the strengthening of Cyprus’s competitiveness through the utilization of knowledge and technology. As stated to "Entrepreneurial Limassol" by the president of the association, Mr. Tasos Kounoudes, CARIE consists of 43 innovative Cypriot enterprises, which employ over 3,000 Cypriot scientists.
The core objectives of the association include the promotion of research and innovation as a driver of development for Cypriot industry; the support of its members for participation in research and technological programs; the representation of the sector at national, European, and international levels; and the enhancement of cooperation between enterprises, universities, and research institutions.
Since 2019, CARIE has established the Cluster of Cypriot Companies in Defense Technology and Industry, a strategic platform for cooperation among its members active in the fields of defense, security, and dual-use products.
The main objectives of this initiative include the development of Cypriot dual-use products, penetration into European and international markets through programs such as the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the EDIDP, and the enhancement of domestic know-how and production capacity in the defense sector. CARIE has also demonstrated international outreach through collaborations with clusters and associations in France, Poland, and Sweden; the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with counterpart associations from Greece, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Poland; and participation in international exhibitions through national pavilions, aiming to promote Cypriot technological products and establish strategic partnerships.
Finally, CARIE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) for the creation of a Technology Park in the area of Vereggaria. This collaboration aims to link the academic community with the high-tech industry, promoting innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. The procedures for the model Research Center and Technology Park in Vereggaria are proceeding at a rapid pace, and the subdivision of the land will be carried out in such a way as to make it accessible to technology companies wishing to develop facilities in the area. The Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises is also working intensively to attract high-tech companies.
