Strengthening cooperation between Cyprus and the United States in the rapidly evolving technology sector was highlighted during roundtable discussion held at the Presidential Palace, bringing together representatives of US tech companies operating in Cyprus with senior officials of the Cypriot government and representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia.
The discussion was attended by the Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Irene Piki, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr Nicodemos Damianou, and the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology, Demetris Skourides, who exchanged views with industry representatives on the prospects of further strengthening Cyprus’ technology ecosystem and deepening collaboration between the public sector and the technology industry.
Relation 'stronger than ever'
Opening the discussion, Piki underlined the strong ties between Cyprus and the United States, noting that “the relationship between Cyprus and the United States is today stronger than ever across a number of fields of cooperation.” This partnership is “built on trust, on shared values, and on a growing convergence of interests,” with the technology sector representing one of the most promising areas for further collaboration, she said.
Addressing the representatives of the American companies present, she thanked them for their continued confidence in Cyprus. “Some of your companies have been here for a long time, and we thank you for the trust and value that you place in our country,” she said, adding that the government hopes to attract even more U.S. companies to the island in the coming years.
Piki also referred to the international outreach initiatives undertaken by the government to promote Cyprus as an investment destination. “This was exactly the aim of the President’s roadshow in the United States last year,” she said, noting the important support provided by the U.S. Embassy during the organisation of the visit. She further said that “we are planning to organise another roadshow to the United States this year.”
Engagement with the private sector
Highlighting the rapid development of the technology sector in Cyprus, Piki noted that recent data confirm its growing economic significance. “The ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector is really growing on the island,” she said, referring to a recent study, which shows that the sector contributes at least 11% to Cyprus’ GDP and accounts for around 6% of total employment. “Most of these jobs are very high-paid jobs, which is also very important,” she added.
On his part, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr Nicodemos Damianou, stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between government and industry as Cyprus moves forward with its digital transformation agenda. As he explained, the government’s roadmap for the digitisation of the public sector and the economy requires deeper engagement with the private sector.
“It is clear to us that moving along the roadmap we have drafted for the digitisation of the public sector and the economy, we need to have more interaction and more direct input from the industry itself,” Damianou said. “We want to enhance this sort of collaboration,” he added, noting that the companies present represent “the core of what the technology industry in Cyprus means.”
Industry guidance
He stressed that the government is particularly interested in identifying practical areas of cooperation. “Ιt is very important to touch on tangible things that we can do to leverage our collaboration,” he said, encouraging participants to share ideas and proposals that could further strengthen the technology ecosystem in Cyprus.
Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology, Demetris Skourides, also highlighted the strategic importance of closer cooperation with industry, particularly in the context of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.
“In the digital era, it is not only about using technology, but about how technology can create added value,” he noted. Skourides explained that Cyprus’ forthcoming national AI strategy has been designed in a way that encourages strong collaboration between the public sector and industry. “Our AI strategy has been built in a model that will enhance collaboration with industry,” he said, adding that the strategy will soon be released for public consultation.
“We welcome the engagement, the thought leadership and the guidance from the industry,” Skourides added, stressing that cooperation will be essential as Cyprus seeks to harness the opportunities offered by the next generation of fast-moving technologies.
Digital future
Speaking on behalf of the United States, the Chargé d’ Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, Daniel Mangis, highlighted the importance of the dialogue taking place between government and industry.
“The fact that we have two deputy ministers here and the chief scientist at the Presidential Palace signals how important the Republic considers this broader discussion,” he said. According to Mangis, the meeting reflects the shared ambition to capitalise on the rapid growth of the digital economy and to strengthen cooperation between Cyprus and the United States.
“This is an important discussion for the U.S. Embassy and for the U.S. government, but most importantly for the private sector represented here,” he said, noting that American technology companies continue to play a leading role in global innovation.
“As American tech companies lead the world in innovation and have proven expertise in this topic, they are uniquely qualified to help the Republic of Cyprus thrive and prosper as it moves further towards its digital future,” he concluded.
CNA