Beijing: The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) successfully concluded a high-level business delegation to Beijing from 9 to 13 November 2025, highlighting Cyprus’ role as a strategic bridge between China and the European Union in technology, innovation, healthcare, services, and shipping. The mission commenced with a welcome dinner on 9 November, facilitating early networking opportunities for Cypriot delegates and their Chinese counterparts.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the core of the mission was the 2nd ‘Belt and Road’ Economic Development Forum and EU/Cyprus-China Project Exchange and Matchmaking Meeting, held on 10 November at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Co-organised by the CCCI and the International Exchange Working Committee of the China Association of Trade in Services, the Forum carried the theme ‘Technology Leading Development, Cooperation Creating the Future.’ It convened senior government officials, business leaders, and experts from both countries, focusing on information technology, artificial intelligence, industrial and medical technology, services, and shipping. A total of 123 registered Chinese companies participated, reinforcing Cyprus as a reliable partner and investment hub for Chinese companies targeting the EU market.
Cyprus was represented by H.E. Ambassador Koula Sophianou, Mr. Theodoros Loukaidis, Director General of the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation, and CCCI President Mr. Stavros Stavrou. From the Chinese side, notable participants included Mr. Yu Guodong of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Mr. Wu Wensheng of the Zhongguancun Smart City Industrial Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance, and representatives of relevant ministries and leading enterprises. Ms. Amanda Huang moderated the Forum, emphasizing the objective of establishing a practical bridge for project exchange and industrial cooperation between Cyprus, China, and the wider European market, particularly in technology and medical health.
Ambassador Sophianou emphasized the Belt and Road Initiative as a platform for Cyprus-China cooperation, highlighting Cyprus’ strategic location, EU membership, and strong services sector. Mr. Loukaidis presented Cyprus’ research and innovation ecosystem, encouraging Chinese companies to consider Cyprus for investment, research collaboration, and entry into Europe. Mr. Stavrou reaffirmed the CCCI’s commitment to supporting bilateral projects, stressing Cypriot enterprises’ readiness to develop long-term partnerships in digital technologies, health, shipping, logistics, and professional services.
From the Chinese side, Mr. Yu Guodong discussed China’s efforts to improve the environment for foreign investment, noting policy developments in high-tech and healthcare supporting pilot projects in genetic diagnostics and foreign-owned hospitals. Mr. Wu Wensheng identified Cyprus as a potential strategic platform for Chinese companies seeking EU expansion, particularly in smart city solutions, digital infrastructure, and innovation-driven cooperation.
The Forum included corporate presentations by Cypriot and international companies such as KITESERVE Ltd, The Grey Arrow, Tekserv Ltd, KT Corporate Service Limited, COLUMBIA Shipmanagement, Prevention At Sea, and Leptos Estates. These presentations showcased the competitiveness of Cypriot businesses and opened avenues for collaboration. In the afternoon, one-on-one B2B meetings facilitated discussions on specific projects, investment opportunities, and immediate follow-up actions.
From 11 to 13 November, the delegation conducted site visits and technical meetings in Beijing, including Minsheng Bank, iSoftStone, Bopin Biopharma, the National Traditional Chinese Medicine Master Hall, and Bamboocloud. These visits covered fintech, cloud computing, digital platforms, biomedical research, traditional Chinese medicine, and cybersecurity. Mr. Stavrou also met with the China Association of Trade in Services (CATIS) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to deepen trade and investment ties, promote business missions, and advance a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CCCI and CATIS.
Throughout the mission, the Cypriot delegation engaged in discussions on cooperation models, including joint research and development, technology transfer, pilot projects, and investment partnerships. Both sides committed to transforming the exchanges into concrete initiatives. Following the mission, the CCCI aims to work closely with Cypriot and Chinese companies and institutional partners to ensure opportunities evolve into tangible projects, new investments, and long-term collaboration, strengthening economic relations between Cyprus and China.