Cyprus International Businesses Association – Important Announcements
1. Establishment of Committees
CIBA is pleased to announce the formation of 6 (six) committees, designed to actively engage members and harness their expertise in shaping credible recommendations on government policies, sectoral priorities, and business support measures.
By drawing on the rich professional experience within our membership, these committees will strengthen CIBA’s voice, enhance its contribution to policy discussions, and further align the Association’s objectives with its members’ needs for the benefit of the international business community of Cyprus.
The committees will operate under the guidance of CIBA Vice Presidents, Mr. Kirill Korneychuck and Mr. Xanthos Kyriakou, chaired by Executive Committee Members and will comprise with experts from the broader CIBA Member Network. The Committees will produce proposals and recommendations presented by the respective Chairperson(s) to the Executive Committee for adoption.
The newly established committees and their respective chairs are as follows:
1.EU & International Affairs Committee
Chair: Mr. Andreas Pishias
Aims & Objectives:
• Monitor EU policy developments and ensure early CIBA engagement in EU policymaking
• Identify policy ‘red flags’ and submit proactive recommendations to government and industry bodies
• Build alliances with relevant associations at EU and international level
• Monitor global developments (e.g., tariffs, trade wars, sanctions, UN resolutions) and advise accordingly
2. Legal Committee
Chair: Mrs. Michaella Pillakouri
Aims & Objectives:
• Review EU and national legislation, especially draft legislative proposals
• Submit legal recommendations to safeguard the competitiveness of the international business sector in Cyprus
3. Tax Committee
Chair: Mr. Demetris Aletraris
Aims & Objectives:
• Evaluate the current tax regime and proposed reforms
• Benchmark Cyprus against competitive jurisdictions
• Recommend fiscal incentives to maintain and enhance Cyprus’s attractiveness as a business hub
4. Tech Committee
Chair: Mrs. Marianna Hadjiandoniou
Aims & Objectives:
• Address digital transformation and AI-related challenges
• Share best practices on digital innovation among members
• Establish and monitor the procedural framework of the CIBA Technology Award, including candidate evaluation
5. ESG Committee
Chair: Open Position
Aims & Objectives:
• Promote Environmental, Social, and Governance best practices
• Organize initiatives on the green economy, human capital, and governance matters
• Establish and monitor the procedural framework of the CIBA ESG Award, including candidate evaluation
6. Training & Upskilling Committee
Chair: Open Position
Aims & Objectives:
• Bridge the gap between education and business needs
• Support skill development aligned with the demands of the international business sector in Cyprus
The work of the Committees 1, 2, and 3 notably the EU and International Committees, Legal and Tax Committee will be supported by CIBA’s external Legal Advisor Mr. Pantelis Christofides who will provide his valuable guidance and expertise to the Chairpersons of these Committees.
We warmly encourage our members to participate in the Committee(s) of their interest
2. Introduction of New Membership Types
In response to growing demand from the business community, CIBA will soon introduce two new membership categories to complement the existing ‘Full’ and ‘Supporting’ Memberships. These new categories aim to extend the benefits of CIBA representation to a broader segment of professionals and businesses currently underserved.
The proposed categories are addressing:
– Individual Entrepreneurs and Professionals who wish to benefit from the networking opportunities, informational resources, and knowledge-sharing platforms offered by CIBA, without acquiring full membership rights or constitutional voting privileges. These individuals must demonstrate that their professional activities and ethical standards align with the values and objectives of CIBA. Admission will be subject to the Association’s discretion, based on the potential value their membership brings to the broader CIBA community.
– Very small Business Entities or Startups of up to ten (10) employees, and for which CIBA agrees that their structure and their activities are of such nature that their membership would be considered beneficial to the association and its broad member community.
These new membership types are designed to increase inclusivity and ensure that a broader range of stakeholders can engage with and benefit from the CIBA network.
3. Member Survey – We Value Your Feedback
CIBA will soon be circulating a comprehensive Member Questionnaire to gather feedback on your challenges, needs, and expectations. This is part of our continuous effort to refine our strategy, better align our work with the evolving priorities of our members and represent more effectively the interest of the international business community of Cyprus.
Your feedback will help us:
• Identify pressing issues and areas for improvement
• Tailor our initiatives to better meet your needs
• Enhance the value of CIBA membership
• Strengthen our collective voice and impact
We kindly invite our members to participate and share their insights once the Questionnaire is received. Our members input is crucial to building a stronger, more responsive Association.
4. Introduction of CIBA Technology Award and CIBA ESG Award
We would like to reward our members for innovative approaches on the use of AI and digital technologies to their operations as well as on the introduction and application of ESG policies and initiatives with Awards, on an annual basis subject to specific criteria. Through this process we encourage CIBA members to engage and share expertise and best practises.
5. CIBA Annual Report on International Businesses
We are proud to introduce a new Annual Reporting Initiative that will deepen engagement with our members and strengthen our role as a key stakeholder in national policy deliberations.
Each year, CIBA will conduct structured consultations with members to gather insights, concerns, and recommendations. These will be compiled into a comprehensive Annual Report submitted to:
• The President of the Republic of Cyprus, and
• All Parliamentary Political Parties
The report will outline the current state of play in the international business environment in Cyprus and include policy proposals and recommendations aimed at improving the business climate and regulatory framework.
This initiative represents an important step in amplifying the voice of international businesses in Cyprus and ensuring that your views are effectively communicated to policymakers at the highest level.
We thank you members for their continued trust and support.
The President of the Executive Committee
Mr. Vassilios Demetriades