Aiming to connect the Cypriot diaspora with the local community and showcase Cyprus as a business and investment destination, the 1st Cyprus Diaspora Forum commenced its four-day program on Wednesday morning in Limassol.

In his welcoming address at the opening ceremony, attended by the American Ambassador and the Australian High Commissioner, Paul Lambis, founder of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum, stated that Cyprus has evolved into a dynamic business hub offering numerous investment and employment opportunities for both locals and foreigners.

Lambis emphasized the importance of the Cypriot diaspora supporting this endeavor through their networks, promoting the country as a business and investment destination. He also highlighted that the Forum aims to bring together Cypriot diaspora communities, prominent figures from Cyprus's public and private sectors, the media, the academic community, civil society, and friends of Cyprus, showcasing the work of both the private and public sectors.

"The Cypriot diaspora has contributed to our country's economic and cultural life for many years, promoting it in the countries they live and work," Lambis said, adding that the Cyprus Diaspora Forum is ultimately "a platform for all."

"We connect Cypriots of the diaspora, the local community, and friends of Cyprus in this significant event, which mainly aims to enhance our reputation as a leading business destination," he added.

The Mayor of Limassol, Nikos Nikolaidis, in his greeting, welcomed the attendees and praised the Cyprus Diaspora Forum for gathering "the most vital, significant, and precious part of what Cyprus is today, our diaspora." He noted that the Forum's timing couldn't be better as the country faces critical issues and needs all the unifying forces it can get.

Nikolaidis further emphasized that Limassol, as a multicultural and outward-looking city, has become the welcoming gateway for people from other countries in recent years, with significant socio-economic activity in sectors like energy, shipping, commerce, industry, entrepreneurship, academic excellence, research and technology, culture, etc.

He expressed confidence that the Forum's proceedings would be successful and become an annual institution, inviting the attendees to the upcoming Limassian Carnival events starting tomorrow.

Additionally, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Giorgos Theoharides, discussed the Commission's role and responsibilities, emphasizing the significance of the investment fund sector.

"As in other European countries, one of the main problems is that the majority of financing comes from the banking sector, which has some difficulties in financing the economy to the extent it needs," he said. "Therefore, we need these alternative forms of financing, which is why we, as well as the Government, believe that the investment fund sector can be an alternative form of financing," he added.

During the Forum's first day, issues concerning the role of the Cypriot diaspora, hospitality, tourism, and health and wellness were examined. Today, the event will focus on the media, culture and arts, film and TV industry, sports, and literature.

On Friday, the Forum will address themes of education, philanthropy, international relations, economy, legal services, energy, and the shipping industry, while Saturday will discuss issues related to the real estate market, the future of companies, and entrepreneurship.