Establishment of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The history of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) dates back to 1927, with the establishment of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce, which was headquartered in Nicosia and had a representative in Limassol. The participation of Limassol businesses gradually increased: in 1941, 37 members were recorded, and by 1948, membership had risen to 82. In 1952, the Limassol Commercial and Industrial Federation was established. Its first Council meeting took place on 3 May 1952 at the Ledra Palace Hotel in Nicosia, during which Renos Galanides was elected President and Ioulio Markides Vice-President.

From its early years, the Limassol Commercial and Industrial Federation addressed issues affecting businesses and the economy, including trade, taxation, the challenges faced by the wine industry and electricity costs. At the same time, the independent Limassol Development Association was operating in the city. The two organisations collaborated to promote Limassol’s progress and, at a joint meeting on 23 June 1960, called for the creation of a commercial and industrial organisation for Limassol, under the slogan “Limassol for Limassol”. The Association subsequently merged with the Federation.

On 5 September 1962, at an Extraordinary General Assembly, the Federation was renamed the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry and adopted a new constitution. LCCI became affiliated with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), which evolved from the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce in 1963. Throughout its history, LCCI has represented and supported Limassol’s business community, collaborated with local authorities, and promoted business interests and development projects for the city and district. Its history and contribution have remained closely linked to the economic growth and development of Limassol and its wider district.