Demetris Zorbas: 2025 will be a very important year for Zorbas Group

Zorbas Group's CEO, Demetris Zorbas, characterises 2025 as a very important year for Zorbas Group, as it completes 50 years of dynamic presence in the Cypriot market.

In an interview in the February issue of IN Business magazine, which was given in the context of the meeting of Cypriot business leaders with House President and President of DISY, Annita Demetriou, Zorbas emphasises that a priority for the Group is to remain a leading player in its sector, with respect for the Cypriot consumer and with products of excellent that meet the needs of its customers.

At the same time, as he indicates, the Group constantly monitors all modern trends and is ready, at any moment, to examine any opportunities that arise, always within the context of the Group's development strategy.

Referring to the Cypriot economy, the CEO of Zorbas Group indicates that the primary goal should be to strengthen its competitiveness and resilience by creating a new development model and promoting important reforms.

2024 was the year in which the Cypriot economy recorded strong growth and returned to investment grade after many years. What are your suggestions and recommendations for continuing this course and for further development, both of the economy and entrepreneurship?

We estimate that the upward trend recorded by the Cypriot economy in 2024 will continue in 2025. This does not mean in any way that there can be complacency, since significant risks and challenges always lurk, mainly due to external factors.

The primary objective is to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the Cypriot economy by creating a new development model and promoting important reforms.

A comprehensive strategic plan that will support traditional sectors and at the same time emphasise high technology, research, innovation, green growth and digital transition is of major importance for the sustainable development of the economy.

The biggest problems of businesses

What are the biggest problems/challenges facing Cypriot business today, as well as the sector in which you operate, and what great opportunities do you see in the new year? What are the priorities on your agenda for 2025?

One of the biggest problems facing businesses today is high energy costs and the serious impacts of climate change.

Phenomena such as water scarcity create serious challenges in the supply chain, lead to a decrease in the production of raw materials with a subsequent increase in prices and other consequences that affect the smooth operation of businesses.

At the same time, businesses are faced with high financing costs and an ever-increasing shortage of human resources.

In an interview in the February issue of IN Business magazine, which was given in the context of the meeting of Cypriot business leaders with House President and President of DISY, Annita Demetriou, Zorbas emphasises that a priority for the Group is to remain a leading player in its sector, with respect for the Cypriot consumer and with products of excellent that meet the needs of its customers.

Our priority is to remain a leader in our sector, with respect for the Cypriot consumer and with products of excellent quality that meet the needs of our customers.

At the same time, we constantly monitor all modern trends and are ready, at any moment, to examine any opportunities that arise, always within the context of the Group's development strategy.

The digitalisation of state services

Based on Vision 2035, what policies do you believe could make Cyprus an even more attractive destination for foreign investment? What needs to be done to transform the country into a modern international business centre and an ideal place to live, work and do business in?

As a first step, I would say the digitalisation of state services, which will contribute to the substantial reduction of bureaucracy and time-consuming procedures, and secondly, the implementation of tax reform on the basis of a modern and more flexible system.

Equally important factors are the attraction of a highly skilled workforce, the creation of development projects, addressing the traffic problem and the best possible promotion of our country abroad.

Support programmes for Cypriot businesses

What would you ask the Cypriot state (state, government, Parliament and political parties) to do to support business activity on our island? In what ways do you believe the state should come to the aid of business?

It is in the interest of the state and society to have a dynamic, competitive and healthy business sector.

In this context, incentives and programs to support Cypriot businesses can be promoted.

In terms of reforms, the digitalisation of state services, the rapid delivery of justice, and the creation of a modern and flexible tax system will have multiplier benefits for both the public and private sectors.

Equally important for businesses is the discovery and continuous development of human resources and access to financing, so that they can proceed with new investments.

(Source: IN Business magazine)