Last year 12 Cypriot business forums were held in nine countries, he said, in cooperation with the Cyprus Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KEVE).

The minister was speaking at a news conference to announce the move. “The aim is of course the visibility and promotion of Cyprus abroad as a reliable commercial and business centre,” he said.

This year kicks off with a business forum in Bahrain at the end of January, in which President Nicos Anastasiades will participate. This will be followed by a forum in Iran in February, the US in March, the UK in April, China in May, Germany in June, Russia in September, France and South Africa in October, Slovakia and the Czech Republic in November and Saudi Arabia in December.

Business sectors to be covered include real estate, tourism, education, promoting Cypriot products and medical services.

Lakkotrypis said along with the forums, advertisements and articles in business journals and websites would also be done as well as participating in specialised trade exhibitions.

“Instructions were given to all commercial attaches abroad to intensify their efforts to promote exports and attract investment,” Lakkotrypis said. “Specifically they have been asked to carry out increased personal contacts with companies, enterprises and other stakeholders in various countries and report back to the ministry every two weeks on the results of their contacts.

Source: Cyprus Mail