Italy-Cyprus partnership creates Mediterranean gateway through Romes gaming hub
SiGMA Group has formed a strategic alliance with the Italian Cypriot Chamber of Commerce that could reshape Mediterranean business relations. Dr Giuseppe Marino, the Chamber’s President, spoke with SiGMA TV about plans to establish Rome as a key hub for European gaming and technology innovation, outlining how this partnership will strengthen bilateral trade and promote responsible business practices.
Marino, an international corporate lawyer with deep expertise in anti-money laundering, explained that the collaboration took shape during recent discussions with SiGMA Group’s founder, Eman Pulis. The timing feels right for both organisations, with the Chamber now joining SiGMA’s network as an institutional member.
“We started with this partnership a long-term collaboration,” Marino said, describing how the alliance will focus on innovation, technology, and sustainable business development. The Italian Cypriot Chamber of Commerce was established in 2016 and gained official recognition from the Italian government in 2019.
Its core mission involves promoting economic relations between Italy and Cyprus, using Cyprus’s position as a Mediterranean gateway to reach Middle Eastern and North African markets. “The aim, the mission of the channel is to promote and support the business economic relations between Italy and Cyprus in all the relevant sectors and also considering Cyprus also as an important hub in the Mediterranean,” Marino explained.
Building a business ecosystem
The partnership centres on what Marino calls a “virtuous ecosystem” that brings together regulatory knowledge and technological advancement. Gaming sector growth figures have been impressive, and the collaboration aims to provide institutional backing while encouraging responsible gaming and regulatory compliance.
“We will support and facilitate dialogue to create a virtuous ecosystem with the drivers of innovation and technology,” Marino explained. He stressed the importance of operators adhering to regulatory frameworks, particularly as anti-money laundering measures become increasingly strict.
The Chamber offers institutional support to members across Italy and Cyprus, extending this advocacy to the European Union level. This broad strategy allows the partnership to adapt to regulatory changes whilst driving economic growth through targeted business development.
Marino’s track record speaks for itself. He runs LEXIT srl as Managing Director and works as a Senior Partner at Sintesi Network’s Dubai branch. His career spans strategic legal advisory work, market access development, and compliance consulting. This experience puts the partnership in a strong position to handle regulatory complexity whilst supporting sustainable business growth.
Rome takes centre stage
Keep up with the latest industry insights from leading voices on our SiGMA Channel, and get ready for our upcoming summit in Rome, November 3-6. Delegates can also look forward to reading Marino’s feature article in the upcoming SiGMA Magazine issue 35, which will be published and available at the conference.
The upcoming SiGMA Central Europe event in Rome represents a significant milestone for the partnership. Marino expressed genuine enthusiasm about hosting the summit in Italy’s capital, noting that 30,000 attendees are expected. This aligns with Rome’s goal of becoming a European leader in major conferences and events.
“We are really happy about the decision of Sigma group to choose Rome as a place for this important event,” Marino said. He highlighted the substantial economic impact anticipated across various sectors throughout Italy. The summit positions Rome as headquarters for enhanced Italian-Cypriot business relations, creating opportunities for networking and developing synergies.
The collaboration extends beyond the November summit. Plans include an Italian Cypriot business forum focusing on innovation and sustainability before the year ends. The partnership also involves participation in the Eastern Mediterranean conference in October, building on successful previous events in Nicosia. “We see really positively this event and the impact that this event will have because considering the 30,000 attendees, a significant number,” Marino noted.
This partnership represents more than standard business cooperation. It creates a foundation for stronger Mediterranean economic ties, using Cyprus as a bridge between European markets and new opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa. Gaming and technology companies should see tangible benefits from this corridor.
The Chamber will provide institutional backing to SiGMA and its members, working together to build what Marino calls a robust business ecosystem. This means focusing on regulatory matters and encouraging responsible gaming practices throughout the region.
