28 May 2024
Four Seasons, Limassol
Conference, Seminars
and Board Meetings
Investment Opportunities
and Introductions

BEST INVEST Congress offers a series of B2B and B2C networking events that promote investment opportunities in Cyprus and in the MENA Region.

It includes a conference, an exhibition, thematic board meetings, seminars, presentations, workshops, a formal reception, informal events, pre-arranged business meetings in 1x1 format.

The BEST INVEST CONGRESS is a good platform for presenting the investment and economic potential of Cyprus and other countries that collaborate or have business and economic relations with Cyprus.

Innovations and new opportunities, the market's future, detailed update on the current economic situation in Cyprus and the potential of different industries based on the island - these are the subjects that are always discussed during this event. The panels also review current investment trends as well as examining in detail how to design, deliver and manage successful investment operations.

PARTICIPANTS: investment professionals, consultants, advisors, business leaders, C-level executives, private investors.

A key differentiator of the BEST INVEST CONGRESS is a variety of events to attract different audiences, and the focus on International business professionals of 30+ nationalities who live and work in Cyprus or live abroad but work with Cyprus.

Conference Highlights

The overview of the Conference, that is a part of the BEST INVEST Congress

CONGRESS PROGRAM 2023
(Program 2024 will be released in January 2024)

May 29, 2023

14:30 – 15:30

Cyprus / MENA Region Business Cooperation

This brainstorming session will bring together experts, business leaders, and other stakeholders from Cyprus and the MENA region to share their insights and experiences on fostering successful business cooperation. The significance of Cyprus-MENA region business cooperation is obvious, it can contribute to mutual economic growth, development, and geopolitical stability. The participants will share examples of successful Cyprus-MENA region business partnerships and discuss the challenges that may arise in fostering deeper cooperation between the two regions.

Panelists:
Jad Wakil, Founder and Executive Director, Mouflon Investment Fund
Baha'a Armouti, Managing Partner, AL Armouti, Jordan
Yacine Bougrassa, Founder, BKMS
Georges Chehwane, Chairman, Plus Properties, Group Plus, Printing Plus (Cyprus, Lebanon , UAE, Bahrain, Greece)
Farah Shammas, Managing Director, St Raphael Resort and Marina

Moderator:
Marios Demetriades, Financial Services Professional, former Minister of Transport, Communications and Works

15:30 – 17:00

Cyprus-India Working Meeting

Opening Remarks by H.E. Ms. Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat, High Commissioner of India to Cyprus
Welcome address by H.E. Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis

Panel Discussion: The future of Cyprus-India Cooperation

Key Topics:
Shipping and Logistics, Investments into regional HQ in Cyprus, Property
Investments, IT- Technologies and startups, Fund Industry, Hotel and Tourism
Tax and Legal Services.

Panelists:
Marios Tannousis, CEO, Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency
Sunil Kapoor, Director, FML Shipmanagement Limited
Elena Tanou, Vice President, Top Kinisis Travel Plc
John Abraham, Founder & CEO, Aeon Payment Tech

Moderator:
Chrysilios Pelekanos, President, Cyprus - India Business Association

16:00 – 17:00

Board Room Dialogue Sessions

Public Infrastructure and Property Investments: Priorities of Cyprus for 2023.
Roundtable Discussion.
The participants will explore the potential for investment in infrastructure projects in Cyprus, including transportation, energy, and telecommunications. They'll also brainstorm on how the problem of accommodation, schools and office space can be solved in Limassol and all over Cyprus and share the views on new large-scale projects.

Panelists:
Marıos Alexandrou, COO of Energyintel
Christos Demetriou, Business Development Director, Imperio
George Dokuchaev, Sales Director, bbf (Prime Property Group)
Dmitry Letov, Head of Construction, Exness
Simos Simillides, Commercial Director, Pafilia Property Developers
Anastasia Yianni, CEO, Cyprus Sotheby's International Realty

Moderator:
Spyros Spyrou, Group Managing Director, ASG Group

Start-ups and Entrepreneurship: Supporting Innovation and Economic Growth.
Overview and Forecasts.
The delegates will discuss the role of start-ups and entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and innovation in Cyprus, share the success stories and explore various support mechanisms and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-ups. The economic links to USA, UK, Israel, Middle East and bilateral projects will assist in growth of Cyprus-based businesses.

This session is held in the presence and with active participation of H.E. Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Philippos Hadjizacharias

Panelists:
Maria Markidou Georgiadou, Managing Director, Cyprus Seeds
Demetrios Zoppos, Partner, 33east
Volha Kniazeva, Lead Research Scientist, Asbis
Philip Ammerman, Managing Partner, Navigator Consulting Group
Maria Terzi, Co-Founder & CEO of Malloc Inc.
Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades, Molecular Biologist, Co-founder, Promed Bioscience, Theramir, RSL Revolutionary Labs
Tasos Kounoudes, Founder and CEO, SignalGeneriX

Moderator:
Panis Pieri, Tech Journalist, Editor, Blogger, Organiser, EcoX Cyprus

17:00 – 19:00

Welcome Reception for Congress delegates, speakers, sponsors and VIP-guests.

WELCOME RECEPTION for Delegates and Guests of Honour will be opened by Limassol Mayor Nicos Nicolaides.

EXHIBITION of Investment Projects and Services will be opened by George Dokuchaev, Sales Director, Prime Property Group / bbf:

May 30, 2023

08:30 – 09:00

Registration. Investment Projects and Services Exhibition.

Registration. Morning Coffee. Tour over the Exhibition.

09:15 – 10:30

PLENARY SESSION I: Economic Outlook and Prospects of Cyprus

Welcome Notes. Key-Note Speeches. Panel Discussions.

This expanded plenary session will provide a comprehensive overview of the economic outlook for Cyprus and the global economy, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning among the congress delegates.

Panel Discussion: "Investment, Relocation and Headquartering in Cyprus: Improving the Business and Regulatory Environment"
This panel discussion will focus on practical steps that can be taken to enhance the business and regulatory environment in Cyprus for existing and new international and local companies and investors. Key questions include:

What can be done to improve the processes for non-EU corporate and individual investment and corporate relocation to Cyprus, including large corporations and startups?
How can the business infrastructure of Cyprus be upgraded, including the development of public housing and incentives for employers to invest in employee housing?
What needs to be done to support families of relocated personnel and local talent, and to create a pipeline of talent for tech professions in Cyprus?
How can the conditions of programmes to attract skilled employees and entrepreneurs to Cyprus be improved, including the speed and accuracy of government processes.

Panelists:
Petr Valov, Co-Founder, Board Member, TechIsland Association; Founder, CEO, Exness;
Yangos Hadjiyannis, Board Member, Invest Cyprus (Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency); CEO, CIM Cyprus Business School;
Kyriakos Kokkinos, CEO, Business Insights Consulting, former Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy
Marios Alexandrou, Co-founder, COO, EnergyIntel Services

Moderator:
Philip Ammerman, Managing Partner, Navigator Consulting Group

10:30 – 11:00

Networking Coffee Break

11:00 – 12:15

PLENARY SESSION II: Investments in Tech and R&D

Technology and Innovation: A Fast Rising Pillar of Growth for the Economy of Cyprus
Cyprus is on its way of becoming a global tech island. A continuous number of IT companies and professionals are relocating to the island, and at this moment the tech sector in Cyprus is responsible for the 12.5% of the country's GDP. What are the opportunities and the challenges through the eyes of key CEOs of Tech Companies operating from Cyprus?

Panelists:
Alexey Gubarev, Co-Founder and Board Member, Palta, Founder, XBT Holding;
Christos Onoufriou, CEO, Odyssey Cybersecurity;
Hiko Rajczyk, Yomora 4 Medıa, Founder;
Stylianos Lambrou, Co-founder, Heart Group, Co-founder, Reflect Fest;
Nikolas Mastroyiannopoulos, Former Chief Scientist for Research & Innovation of the Republic of Cyprus.

Moderator:
Christos Vassiliou, CEO, KPMG Cyprus

Unlocking the Potential of the Gaming Industry: Opportunities and Strategies for Game Development Investments
Introduction to the current state of the global gaming industry, including its market size, growth, and emerging trends. Overview of various game development segments, such as mobile games, console games, PC games, and virtual reality experiences. Discussion of the challenges and risks associated with investing in game development, and how to mitigate those risks for better returns. Insights into the role of the growing game development market for Cyprus economy and investment opportunities Cyprus offers.

Panelists:
Marat Karpeko, COO, Wargaming.net, Co-founder at Indata Labs;
Sergey Orlovskiy, Founder, Nival, Astrum Nival, Helio Games, Luden.io, Uviz.io;
Kirill Gurskiy, Head of Games & Entertainment, GEM Capital;
Aleksandra Rudis, CEO and Co-founder, Apella Games.

Moderator:
Roman Gurskiy, Head of Games & Entertainment, GEM Capital.

12:15 – 12:30

Networking Coffee Break

12:30 – 13:55

PLENARY SESSION III: Investment Funds, AI-related Investment Landscape, Future of Payments and Cybersecurity.

Investment Horizons in Cyprus: A Comprehensive Guide to Funds, Stock Markets, and Financial Instruments
Introduction to the current state of the Cypriot investment landscape, including funds, stock markets, and shares. Insights into the role of investment funds in Cyprus, their strategies, and the opportunities they present for investors. The role of international investors and partnerships in shaping the Cypriot investment landscape. Exploring the potential of emerging sectors and industries in Cyprus and abroad for investment opportunities.

Panelists:
Andrey Narutskiy, CEO, LEON MFO Investments;
Maria Pankova, Head of Structured Products, Freedom Finance Europe;
Demetris Taxitaris, Chief Executive Officer, MAP S.Platis;
Stavriana A. Kofteros, Vice President Board of Directors, Research Innovation Foundation, EIC Ambassador.

Moderator:
Sara Gunnervik, Managing Partner, Kendris Cyprus

Transforming Industries with AI: A Deep Dive into the Most Promising AI Investment Opportunities
An overview of the current AI investment landscape and emerging trends by CITEA leadership and members. The role of AI in driving innovation across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and transportation. The most promising AI-related technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Success stories and case studies of AI-based solutions that have yielded significant returns on investment. Insights into the future of AI and its potential impact on various industries in the coming years.

Panelists:
Antonis Skoullos, Country Leader, Oracle
Kostas Petsas, Associate Director/Delivery Partner, Kyndryl
Antonia Michael, Manager, IBM Cyprus
George Malekkos, CEO – Powersoft

Moderator:
Demetris Nissiotis, CEO, NetU Consultants, President, CITEA

The Payment Revolution: New Frontiers in Payments, Cybersecurity, Banking Innovation, and the Future of Money in a Digital World
Introduction to the current state of the global payment landscape, with a focus on innovation, security, and the digital transformation of money. Examination of recent trends and technologies in the payments sector. Challenges and opportunities neobanks present to traditional banking, and how both types of institutions can coexist in the evolving financial ecosystem. The role of AI-based solutions in enhancing payment processing, fraud detection, and customer experiences.

Panelists:
John Georgoulas, Chairman, Association of Electronic Money & Payment Institutions (ACEMPI);
Alexander Apostolides, Researcher at the CCAF and the European University Cyprus;
Ulrik K. Lykke, Investor in Technology & Digital Assets, Director, Marlin & Spike;
Christodoulos Papadopoulos, Founder and CEO, CPbros Group, geevo®;
John Abraham, Founder & CEO, Aeon Payment Technologies;

Moderator:
Demetris Nicolaou, Head of Business Development, Leon MFO Investments

14:00 – 15:00

Networking Business Lunch for Congress Delegates

15:00 – 18:00

BUSINESS MEETS TECH

Networking event that helps delegates to connect with other C-level leaders in the tech and non-tech industries

15:15 - 16:00 – Panel Discussion and presentations from game development professionals who'll explain on:

Phenomena of the game industry and unknown facts about the video games market.
The process of creating games step by step. How gaming companies earn money.
Possible ways to invest in gaming market.
Underwater stones in investing into the gaming industry: what is unknown to beginners and amateurs.

16:00 - 16:15 – Motivational speech from Heinz Kaegi, Mentor of Leaders, Speaker & Best Selling Author, CEO at Kaegi-Leadershift

16:15 -17:45 – Networking breaks and moderated discussions in 10-12 groups of 8-10 people each. During this part of the meeting each delegate will participate in two moderated group discussions and have a chance to interact with all other participants.

19:00

Farewell Party for Congress' delegates

Download schedule

THE EVENT IS HELD IN COOPERATION WITH: