AmCham Cyprus proposes measures to strengthen bilateral ties with the US

The American Chamber of Commerce in Cyprus (AmCham Cyprus) has unveiled a new policy paper titled “Strengthening Cyprus-United States Bilateral Relations,” calling for deeper strategic and economic cooperation between the two nations. The initiative seeks to build upon recent progress in shared security, energy, and technology sectors by implementing five major policy priorities.

The core proposals include Cyprus' accession to the US Visa Waiver Programme, citing that the country has met the entry criteria with a visa-refusal rate of 2.16 percent, which is below the required three percent threshold. Additionally, the chamber advocates for the modernization of the 1984 bilateral double taxation treaty, the establishment of direct flights, enhanced social security agreements, and the implementation of US preclearance facilities to streamline travel and business operations.

AmCham Cyprus asserts that these changes would eliminate administrative barriers for tourism, academic exchanges, and corporate investment. By upgrading biometric security and data-sharing capabilities, the chamber believes Cyprus can solidify its role as a key regional partner for American firms. The recommendations are intended to serve as a roadmap to unlock the full potential of the existing partnership between Nicosia and Washington.