7° CYPRIOT- ITALIAN BUSINESS FORUM
Unlocking Tech Powered Business Opportunities: Italy-Cyprus Gateway to
Mediterranean and Middle East Markets
5th December 2024 – Nicosia
National Bank of Greece Auditorium
7° CYPRIOT- ITALIAN BUSINESS FORUM
Unlocking Tech Powered Business Opportunities: Italy-Cyprus Gateway to
Mediterranean and Middle East Markets
5th December 2024 – Nicosia
National Bank of Greece Auditorium
09:00 – 13:00
Dear Giuseppe Marino, President of the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce,
Dear Stavros Stavrou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Your Excellency Federica Ferrari Bravo, Ambassador of Italy in Cyprus,
Dear Charalambous Prountzos, Mayor of Nicosia,
Esteemed Claudio Pasqualucci, Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Beirut,
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is both an honour and a privilege to address you today at the 7th Cypriot-Italian Business Forum. This gathering is a powerful reflection of the deep and enduring partnership between Cyprus and Italy. It is more than just an event; it represents our shared vision to harness innovation and technology, to unlock new opportunities across the Mediterranean.
Cyprus is undergoing a remarkable transformation in recent years, positioning itself as a regional leader in research, innovation, and technology. This progress is driven by strategic investments, strong government support, and a commitment to align with global technological trends. Cyprus is now ranked among the “strong innovators” of Europe, reflecting the success of our innovation strategies. Our country is excelling in areas such as scientific research, collaborations between small to medium enterprises on R&D, and advances in digital transformation.
Italy, with its long-standing expertise in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, shares a complementary vision with Cyprus. Together, our nations have a unique opportunity to strengthen their collaboration, advancing innovation across our shared region.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Digital Transformation is one of the cornerstones of this collaboration. Both Cyprus and Italy recognize the tremendous potential of artificial intelligence (AI). In Cyprus, the government has taken decisive steps to integrate AI into various sectors through initiatives such as the National AI Strategy. Launched in 2020, this strategy focuses on fostering AI research, innovation, and creating a sustainable environment for AI adoption. Meanwhile, Italy is at the forefront AI-powered manufacturing, fintech, and renewable energy industries, setting global standards for AI integration. By working together, we can develop AI solutions that are ethical, impactful, and tailored to solve real-world challenges, driving progress in industries ranging from healthcare to logistics.
Sustainability is another shared priority between Cyprus and Italy. Cyprus has prioritized investments in renewable energy, particularly in solar power and sustainable maritime solutions, aiming to become a leader in green technology. Italy, a pioneer in green tech and environmental innovation, complements these efforts perfectly. These common strengths can be the fundamental pillars that advance collaboration across research, innovation & technology as our nations step up to action Green Deal 2030.
Dear Guests,
Today, Cyprus proudly hosts over 450 start-ups, driven by government initiatives, EU funding, and international partnerships. This burgeoning ecosystem is supported by universities such as the University of Cyprus and Cyprus University of Technology, both of which are producing valuable AI research and fostering synergies between academia and industry.
Italy has been growing significantly with respect to its Technology and research sectors seeing an unprecedented market growth, in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, maritime, energy, and artificial intelligence. With the investment in cross disciplinary technologies that include artificial intelligence, robotics, Italy’s market size in life sciences industry is exceeding €3.1 billion whereas the pharmaceutical sector alone reached a production value of over €52 billion in 2023. Italy’s advanced manufacturing industry combined with the new industry 4.0 capabilities including the capability to develop Cognitive platform for patient engagement, Robotic solutions for surgery, Autonomous driving for personal vehicles, Digital avatars for medical solutions are creating markets. Cyprus with its centers of excellence, and high human capacity in technology fields, with proven solutions including critical infrastructures, digital twins can be a complementary partner as Italian companies invest in further R&D, building new innovative solutions and routes to market.
The rate of technological and business change is creating a wave of opportunities, and challenges that partnerships can undertake together. The Cypriot research and innovation ecosystem comprised of 3500 researchers, 4000 entrepreneurs, and 500+ technology innovators and startups are an ecosystem that have demonstrated agility, passion to scale, and are willing to work closely with Italian research organizations and startups in an effort to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems. These challenges may include from Healthtech, Energytech, areas such as fintech, autonomous technologies and critical infrastructures. I take this opportunity to extend an invitation to you to experience the capabilities of the Cypriot research and innovation ecosystem and the centers of excellence.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This forum is a testament to the enduring friendship and shared aspirations of Cyprus and Italy. It is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, but more importantly, it is a platform to lay the groundwork for future success. Let us use this moment to deepen our collaboration, forge new partnerships, and unlock the immense potential of our economies.
Driven by innovation, ambition, and mutual respect, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.
Thank you, and I look forward to the insightful discussions and successful outcomes of this exceptional gathering.
