The Cyprus Russian Business Association (CYRUBA) is the biggest Association within the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce (CCCI) and Industry and currently has more than 300 members. Mila Levinskaya heads of the recently set up, Limassol-based Russian Desk of CYRUBA, which was established in 1996 under the auspices of the CCCI in association with the Russian Embassy.
What are the objectives of CYRUBA?
They are multiple but the major ones are to strengthen the already strong bilateral economic ties between the Republic of Cyprus and the Russian Federation, and continue ongoing business, commerce and corporate relationships for many years to come. We would like to promote Cyprus as an International Business Centre and to support and stimulate our members in their professional endeavours, by advancing their business relationships and enhancing their networking opportunities.
What are the aims of the Russian Desk in Limassol?
We believe that Limassol is a “home from home” for all Russian Business people in Cyprus and it is the city where most businesses of Russian origin are based. Therefore, CYRUBA opened a Russian Desk at the LCCI to support and assist businesses in Limassol in their everyday activities and issues, and for its members to have easy accessibility and implementation of their business relationships.
What benefits do members of CYRUBA have?
Our members have the opportunity of networking with other enterprises by taking part in events in Nicosia and Limassol, including receptions at the Russian Embassy that are organised by our Association. Also, to attend conferences, seminars to connect with other entrepreneurs, find new business opportunities and to promote their companies through events. We are proud of our annual Investments Forum that covers a wide spectrum of issues of concern to the business sector and attracts about 400 businesspeople from Cyprus and Russia.
Needless to say, support and assistance are extended to members on an individual basis as well, with regard to a variety of issues concerning the day-to-day practices of enterprises.
What kind of information do you provide to your members?
Our Association was established under the auspices of the CCCI in association with the Russian Embassy, so our members have the major benefit of receiving information from these two strong bodies. Also we are in close contact with Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Russia that give an extra benefit to our members by providing access to information on issues pertaining to entrepreneurship with Russia and the chance to participate in major forums and conferences organised by the Chambers in Russia.
Who are the members of CYRUBA? How can one become a member?
We are proud that the Cyprus Russian Business Association is the biggest Association within the CCCI and currently has more than 300 members from a variety of business backgrounds. Any registered company in Cyprus, regardless of the nature of its activities, which aims to benefit from mutual business relationships, either in Cyprus or Russia, can apply to become a member. For any company to register as a member, it is necessary to complete and submit a membership application form, which can be obtained either from our offices or our website. Membership applications need to be approved by our Association, which also determines the annual membership fee.
What upcoming events is CYRUBA organising?
Our next event takes place on 21 April and it will be dedicated to the official opening of the Russian Desk. The Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Cyprus will address the ceremony, along with other notable guests. Of course, there are more events that we are planning to have such as an Energy Conference with the support of Russian Ministry of Energy and many others that we believe will open up business opportunities and provide numerous benefits to our members.
