Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou presented the competitive advantages of Cyprus as an international business destination as keynote speaker and head of a business delegation from Cyprus at the Cyprus-Japan Business Forum, which was co-organised in Tokyo by the Ministry of Energy, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Republic of Cyprus Trade Centre in Tokyo.

According to an announcement, during the Forum, which was attended by more than 120 participants from Japan, including government officials, businessmen, representatives of research centres and journalists, Papanastasiou referred to Cyprus' new strategy for attracting international businesses and qualified personnel, as well as to the operation of the Business Facilitation Unit within the Ministry, the contact point for businesses wishing to operate or expand their activities. At the same time, he stressed the excellent prospects that currently exist in Cyprus in specific sectors, in terms of developing activities and strengthening partnerships with Japan.

It is added that the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides, analysed the technology strategy and the maturity of the research and innovation ecosystem, highlighting the role of Cyprus as a technology and innovation destination, as well as the importance of modernising the technological infrastructure, artificial intelligence and cyber security, and called on Japanese companies to use Cyprus for access to Europe, while an official of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping highlighted Cyprus as a leading ship registry and international shipping centre

It is added that during the Forum, Cypriot technology and shipping companies participated in technology and shipping panels, highlighting their technological solutions in biotechnology, space and maritime security, as well as their expertise and specialisation in ship management and the uniqueness that Cyprus has in offering technologically advanced solutions, penetrating the single market.

In addition, Papanastasiou, following a question from the technology panel, presented the Ministry's strategy for energy, with specific references to the natural gas discoveries in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus and the electrical interconnection between Israel, Cyprus and Crete, the announcementconcludes.