Christian Gihr on how the CGBA intends to draw in more midsize German businesses in 2025

Christian Gihr, the recently-appointed President of the Cyprus Germany Business Association, tells CBN about his goals in his new role, assesses the two countries business ties and reveals how the CGBA plans to draw in more midsize German businesses in 2025.

Congratulations on your new post. Have you been involved in the association long?

Thank you for the congratulations! My journey with the Cyprus-Germany Business Association began at the end of 2022 when I joined as a member. By May 2023, I was honoured to step into a board role, where I focused on strengthening bilateral trade ties and fostering collaboration with our partners and between our members. This progression reflects my commitment to the association’s mission, and I’m thrilled to now serve as President, building on the strong foundation. My priority is to drive innovation, inclusivity, and growth for our community moving forward.

How do you assess Cyprus and Germany’s business ties at present? How do you believe they can be improved?

There is already cooperation in areas like technology, renewable energy, professional services, and shipping, as well as mutual trust within the EU framework. Germany continues to be an important investor in Cyprus, especially in sectors that are driven by innovation, and Cypriot companies offer knowledge in fields like financial services and shipping. But there's unrealised potential. SMEs in both markets frequently lack easily accessible routes to cross-border cooperation, and trade volumes, while increasing, could be increased.

I see three main goals to improve relationships:

Increased visibility: Using digital matchmaking platforms to link SMEs and targeted trade delegations to promote sector-specific opportunities (such as tech startups and green energy),

Promoting streamlined regulations, like extending the Cyprus-Germany Double Taxation Agreement or standardising compliance procedures,

Fostering innovation ecosystems: Creating joint funding mechanisms or incubators to support green tech, AI, and sustainable infrastructure projects, aligning with EU priorities like the Green Deal.

The Association will act as a catalyst here—bridging knowledge gaps, mobilising stakeholders, and ensuring both nations not only keep pace with global trends but lead together.

Is there a strong presence of German companies in Cyprus? Does the association actively promote Cyprus as a relocation option?

German businesses are becoming more and more present in Cyprus, especially in the fields of professional services, tech innovation, and renewable energy. Cyprus' strategic EU location, skilled workforce, and tax benefits have attracted major players as well as midsize businesses.

Cyprus is actively promoted as a business hub by our association. Benefits like the digital infrastructure, business-friendly climate, and gateway potential to Europe, MENA, and Asia are highlighted. Initiatives include collaborating with German chambers of commerce, connecting with the relevant key contacts, and welcoming German delegations.

Although there has been significant progress, our goal is to showcase specialised industries like fintech and green tech in order to draw in more midsize German businesses by 2025.

Do you believe the election of a new German government will impact Cyprus, either directly or indirectly? Will it affect German companies in Cyprus?

Cyprus may be indirectly impacted by Germany's current problems, which include political division, labour shortages, energy transition strains, and economic stagnation. For instance:

Energy costs and industrial slowdown: Investments in Cyprus' tech or renewable energy projects may be postponed due to high energy prices and Germany's weak manufacturing demand.

Budget restrictions: Cyprus may be less able to access EU funding sources for innovation or infrastructure as a result of Germany's fiscal tightening to comply with debt regulations.

Labour gaps: Cyprus may be able to draw in talent or outsource partnerships as a result of Germany's skilled labour shortage.

Given that Cyprus provides stability, reduced operating costs, and access to regional markets, these difficulties may encourage more German businesses to relocate or expand here. Short-term trade, however, might be slowed by Germany's poorer economic performance.

The Association will take proactive measures to mitigate risks, while positioning Cyprus as a complementary partner in sectors like renewables, where Germany seeks solutions.

What is your personal vision as the new CGBA President?

As President of the CGBA, my goal is to make the Association a vibrant link between Germany and Cyprus by concentrating on three areas:

Boost cooperation: To open cross-border opportunities, strengthen relationships with institutions, business, and the government through collaborative projects.

Develop the community: By 2026, increase membership with an emphasis on SMEs and new industries, and encourage mentorship between local business owners and established companies.

Future-ready growth: Promote modernised tax structures, workforce development initiatives, and easier access to EU funding. Give top priority to sustainability initiatives and a digital platform that links investors and talent in close collaboration with existing partners and organisations in Cyprus.

By emphasising innovation, trust, and shared value, CGBA will enable companies to prosper by building stronger alliances and a more resilient community.

Tell us about yourself and your entrepreneurial background. What is your field of expertise?

I am a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur with a focus on cross-border cooperation, IT outsourcing, and SAP solutions. After working as a consultant for almost ten years, I started my own business in 2011 as a freelance SAP specialist who had mastered ERP implementations and support all over Germany. As a result, I founded a green online marketplace in Germany, based in Cyprus – the recruiting company Pros4Projects (2017–2019) – and later SC Silver Consultancy (2018–2024), where I was CEO and helped the company become a reputable IT outsourcing partner. As a CVO today, I concentrate on strategic innovation.
In order to explore entrepreneurship in the marine industry, I co-founded MLV Marine (2020–2023). My areas of expertise include bridging European markets through hybrid leadership, scaling tech-driven ventures, and optimising enterprise systems.

Essentially, I provide enduring value by fusing technical precision with strategic vision.