The EuroMED Days conference, held in Nicosia on Monday, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen economic cooperation, investment, and technological connectivity across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Attended by Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki and Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou, the event underscored that the Mediterranean is entering a period of heightened strategic importance.

Invest Cyprus President Evgenios Evgeniou noted that Cyprus acts as a bridge between continents, offering stability in uncertain times.

Cyprus has recorded some of the highest growth rates in the European Union, with technology now contributing approximately 14 per cent of the country’s GDP.

ANIMA Investment Network President Tarak Chérif emphasised that stronger economic ties are vital for creating job opportunities for the younger generation, while BusinessMed President Tarek Tawfik called for a shift toward shared production.

“We must produce together and prosper together,” stated Tarek Tawfik.

On her part, Piki stressed that the Mediterranean is not merely a region of interest but the reality in which we live and operate.

She outlined four priority areas for future investment: energy infrastructure, digital connectivity, logistics corridors, and human capital.

“We need greater joint capacity for action, more cooperation, and shared investments that create real added value for all,” said Piki.

World Investment Conference President James X. Zhan analysed the emergence of a tripolar economic model, positioning the Mediterranean as a critical regional production hub.

Meanwhile, Damianou focused on European technological autonomy, arguing that Cyprus can serve as a reliable digital gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Elsewhere, Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos highlighted the role of cities as hubs for investment.

“Smaller cities like Nicosia can act as ideal testing laboratories for new technologies,” explained Prountzos, while noting the need for new financial tools to support urban infrastructure.