Cyprus–Israel Business Meeting to Strengthen Bilateral Economic Cooperation
By Gaston Saidman
Last week, a significant professional gathering took place in Nicosia, organized jointly by the Israel–Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and its Cypriot counterparts. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Israel to Cyprus, Mr. Oren Anolik; Mr. Sofronis Papageorgiou; the Chairman of the Israel–Cyprus Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Leon Amiras; CEO Eran Cohen; and members of both chambers.
Source: Israel–Cyprus Chamber of Commerce
The event, titled “Cyprus–Israel Roundtable on Strengthening Bilateral Trade & Investment Relations,” was organized by the Cyprus–Israel Business Association and the Israel–Cyprus Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). The meeting brought together representatives from the business and institutional sectors of both countries with the aim of deepening economic cooperation.
During the discussions, participants exchanged ideas and explored concrete opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade, boost investment, and expand areas of strategic collaboration. The strong and longstanding commercial relationship between Cyprus and Israel was highlighted, as well as the key role economic cooperation plays in reinforcing the partnership between the two countries.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to further developing closer economic ties and promoting joint initiatives that contribute to mutual growth and prosperity.
CIDIP Meets with Eran Cohen, CEO of the Israel–Cyprus Chamber of Commerce
Recently, CIDIP had the pleasure of speaking with Eran Cohen, CEO of the Israel–Cyprus Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the business forum held in Nicosia and the commercial opportunities emerging between Israel and Cyprus.
1. What is your assessment of the Cyprus–Israel business meeting held in Nicosia, and what concrete outcomes would you highlight?
E.C.: The business forum we organized in Nicosia was outstanding. There were around 50 participants in attendance, but if the venue had capacity for 200 people, it would have been full as well. This demonstrates the high level of cooperation and the strong commercial relationship between Israel and Cyprus, as well as the steady strengthening—year after year—of both economic ties and political relations between the two countries.
2. During the meeting, expanding areas of strategic collaboration was discussed. Which sectors currently show the greatest growth potential between Israel and Cyprus?
E.C.: At present, tourism is the core sector in the relationship between the two countries. In the last quarter, Israel was the leading source country of tourism to Cyprus. In addition, the real estate sector is highly significant, reflected in property purchases by individuals, private companies, and even large public corporations that have identified Cyprus’s considerable commercial potential.
3. What specific investment opportunities emerged from this dialogue between business leaders and institutions from both countries?
E.C.: Beyond tourism and real estate, we have identified new opportunities for cooperation in industry and the food sector. An increasing number of Israeli importers are reducing their purchases from Turkey and seeking alternatives in Cyprus, whether by establishing factories, creating logistics centers, or directly importing food products from Cyprus. Those who have not yet explored the potential of importing products from Cyprus are invited to contact us—we would be pleased to assist them.
4. What opportunities are opening up for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Israel and Cyprus as a result of these bilateral initiatives?
E.C.: Take the real estate sector as an example: it drives cooperation among lawyers, accountants, banks, architects, engineers, designers, construction supervisors, and other professionals. We are seeing Israeli firms in these fields opening branches in Cyprus in partnership with local counterparts.
5. What message would you give to entrepreneurs who are not yet involved in the Israel–Cyprus trade relationship?
E.C.: Cyprus is one of the most Israel-friendly countries. We strongly recommend that those seeking investment opportunities in real estate, hospitality, or the establishment of logistics centers in Cyprus seriously consider this market. Cyprus is a member of the European Union and will hold the rotating presidency of the bloc until June 2026, opening additional commercial opportunities, including with countries that do not maintain direct relations with Israel.
