CIBA is a non-governmental independent association, financed by membership fees only. Its daily activities and initiatives are organised and carried out by its General Secretary and an Executive Committee of 12 persons of which 8 necessarily have to emerge from member companies. The office and administration are managed by an Assistant General Secretary. The members of the Executive Committee are volunteers and do not receive any compensation for their time, efforts, transportation or telephone expenses. The executive committee is elected by the members and meets at least once a month.

Ever since its creation, the association has gone to great lengths to represent and safeguard the interests of the international businesses, their international shareholders, managers and staff.

This may have been an easy and enjoyable task during the childhood years of the association. Things became however more complicated as negotiations with Brussels developed. The membership of the European Union required substantial changes in almost every aspect of daily business life in this country : taxation, social insurance and immigration, to name but a few of the most important to us.

CIBA has remained in continuous and close contact with the different administrations that were involved in the complex negotiation processes. The authorities understand that CIBA represents the whole of the international business community in Cyprus and that its assistance in finding compromises between EU- and international business requirements is very valuable. After all, the objective of the authorities was for Cyprus to become a full EU-member without losing the economical contributions of the international business companies.

And at CIBA we understand that is easier to be close to the decision making process than to change a taken decision afterwards.

CIBA's task has not ended on the date of EU accession. Quite the contrary : today, more than ever, it is important to keep a close eye on developments that can and will and do affect the international business community. We have to promote our interests and at the same time to help to promote Cyprus as an international business centre and in parallel to continue to deal with issues which are complicating or hindering the daily operation of our businesses. Only in a perfect world there would be no need for associations like CIBA. That is why we need your support to help us to help you. Your membership is very valuable to CIBA.

To download a copy of our Memorandum and Articles of Association click here .