**Cyprus and Italy to Deepen Shipping Ties at Limassol Business Forum**
The Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Cyprus, is set to host a significant business forum focused on shipping and the economic relations between Cyprus and Italy. Scheduled for October 9, 2026, the event will take place at 10 a.m. at the DP World Terminal in Limassol. This forum follows a successful bilateral business roundtable held earlier this year, which aimed to enhance economic ties between the two nations.
The upcoming forum will gather representatives from both the Italian and Cypriot governments, alongside business leaders from the shipping sector and other industries. The event is organized under the auspices of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, highlighting the importance of maritime commerce in the discussions.
Andreas Tsouloftas, president of Evel, spoke to Entrepreneurial Limassol, the chamber's periodical, emphasizing the preparations underway for what he termed a major business event. He noted that shipping will be a central theme of the forum, alongside broader business topics that are crucial for both countries.
Following the formal discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a networking lunch, as well as B2G (business-to-government) and B2B (business-to-business) meetings. This format is designed to facilitate direct interactions between government officials and business representatives from Cyprus and Italy, fostering potential collaborations and partnerships.
The Limassol forum builds on the momentum of the first Italy-Cyprus Business Roundtable, which took place on May 27, 2026. That meeting coincided with the official visit of Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. The roundtable aimed to strengthen economic and institutional dialogue and explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
During the May event, discussions spanned a range of topics including energy, infrastructure, port development, shipping, industrial technologies, and defense. Additionally, issues related to export and investment financing, as well as connectivity and logistics in the Mediterranean, were also addressed. The roundtable attracted a diverse group of participants, including government officials, institutional organizations, and business representatives from both nations.
The Italian Embassy in Cyprus, the Italian Trade Agency, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), Invest Cyprus, the Cyprus-Italy Business Association, and the Italy-Cyprus Chamber of Commerce supported the May roundtable. During this meeting, Tajani delivered the opening remarks, while Keve President Stavros Stavrou underscored the significant potential for enhancing trade, investment, and business cooperation between Cyprus and Italy.
The forthcoming October forum is anticipated to further strengthen the ties established during the earlier discussions, particularly in the shipping sector. Organizers are expected to release a detailed agenda and additional information about the forum in the coming months.
Participants interested in attending the October forum are encouraged to confirm their attendance by September 25 by reaching out to the Italian Embassy via email. This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of both Cyprus and Italy to foster economic collaboration and explore new business opportunities in the maritime industry and beyond.