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43% Of Cyprus CEOs Cite Talent Shortages As Top Business Risk

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 3, 2026

PwC surveyed 77 CEOs in Cyprus, finding that 43% identify skilled labor shortages as a key business risk for the next 12 months. The findings place talent constraints ahead of several other risks and highlight ongoing challenges in hiring employees with the required capabilities.

Critical Talent Gaps And Strategic Concerns

The survey shows that 43% of CEOs rank talent shortages as a primary threat, compared with geopolitical conflicts at 30%, technological change at 22% and cyberattacks at 21%. The data indicate that workforce availability remains a central constraint for business operations. PwC surveyed the latest escalation in the Middle East. Current perceptions of geopolitical risk may therefore be higher than reflected in the results.

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Technology Talent And The AI Imperative

Hiring challenges are more pronounced in artificial intelligence roles, where 45% of CEOs said they are not confident in their ability to recruit qualified specialists. Demand for technical expertise continues to outpace supply in this segment. Global data show a different trend, with 42% of CEOs expressing confidence in their ability to secure AI talent. The gap highlights regional differences in workforce availability and hiring conditions.

Confidence In Leadership And The Demand For Transparency

Executives also reported increased scrutiny of leadership decisions, cited by 13% of respondents. Demand for transparency was identified by 10%, while 9% pointed to concerns related to AI security and responsible use. These responses reflect pressure on management teams to balance operational decisions with governance, risk and communication expectations.

Insights From PwC Cyprus

Philippos Sosielos, CEO of PwC Cyprus, said the findings reflect structural challenges linked to skills, technology and geopolitical developments. He added that the business environment is becoming more complex as multiple risks converge. Sosielos noted that the survey results were recorded before recent geopolitical developments, indicating that current risk levels may be higher.

Long-Term Strategic Imperatives

Companies are expected to address workforce gaps through long-term planning and investment in skills development. Talent strategy is becoming a core component of business resilience. Future responses will depend on how organizations align recruitment, training and technology adoption with changing market conditions.

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Cyprus Promotes Ship Registry In Asia As Fleet Grows To 25-Year High

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 19, 2026

Cyprus is stepping up efforts to attract international shipowners, with Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis holding high-level meetings in China and Japan as the country’s ship register reaches its strongest level in 25 years.

Running from October 14 to 29, the Asian mission focuses on expanding commercial ties, promoting the advantages of the Cyprus flag and strengthening cooperation with shipowners, shipbuilders and maritime authorities.

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China Meetings Target Shipowners And Industry Leaders

In Shanghai, Hadjimanolis met Wang Qian, vice-director of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Commission of Commerce and Shipping Service Office, ahead of the North Bund International Shipping Forum on October 20–21. Organisers expect around 4,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions, with discussions covering international shipping, maritime safety, financing, insurance, digitalisation and the transition to cleaner fuels.

The minister also met representatives of Dalian Trawind Shipping and Fortuna Shipbrokers Inc. to present the Cyprus registry’s advantages and explore registration opportunities for vessel owners. On October 20, she is scheduled to speak at the 10th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum in Pudong, joining a ministerial roundtable on international maritime leadership.

A visit to Zhoushan is also planned for the naming ceremony of Kypros Island, a new vessel for the Cyprus register owned by Safe Bulkers. Launched in June at the Tsuneishi shipyard on Xiushan Island, the 81,200-deadweight-tonne methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier is scheduled for delivery at the end of October. According to the Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration, sea trials were due to take place between October 11 and 16.

Japan Engagements Strengthen Maritime Ties

Before travelling to China, Hadjimanolis met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kenta Aoshima, in Tokyo on October 16. Her programme also included meetings with senior representatives of Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Nihon Shipyard, NYK Line, ITOCHU Corporation and SSY Projects, focusing on cooperation with Japanese shipowners, shipbuilders and shipping operators.

At the 5th Annual Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum, held at the Tokyo American Club, Hadjimanolis discussed maritime leadership, competitiveness, policy and international cooperation with Capital Link founder and president Nicolas Bornozis. Other sessions examined Japan’s shipbuilding strategy, new-vessel financing and the development of ammonia-powered ships.

The Tokyo programme followed a Cyprus Ship Registry reception on October 15 for representatives of Japan’s maritime and business communities. Hadjimanolis outlined the country’s shipping services and regulatory framework, while Polys Hajioannou, chief executive of Safe Bulkers and president of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, delivered the opening remarks.

Registry Reaches Highest Level In 25 Years

At the reception, Hadjimanolis said the Cyprus Ship Registry had grown by 27% since September 2023, reaching its highest level in a quarter of a century. She attributed the expansion to efforts to improve competitiveness, simplify administrative procedures and provide more responsive services to international shipowners.

Cyprus’s inclusion on the White Lists of the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding was another point highlighted by the minister. These lists reflect the safety and inspection performance of ships flying a national flag.

Existing commercial links with Japan include Safe Bulkers’ announcement in May of four Japanese-built dry bulk vessels scheduled for delivery in 2029.

South Korea Next On The Maritime Agenda

Hadjimanolis’ mission will continue in South Korea, where she is expected to attend the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event and Korea Maritime Week alongside International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and government representatives from several countries.

Her programme will also include discussions on implementing international maritime conventions and bilateral talks aimed at strengthening Cyprus’s shipping ties with South Korea.

The Asian outreach comes as maritime centres compete for shipowners amid geopolitical uncertainty, fleet renewal and pressure to reduce shipping emissions. For Cyprus, the strategy combines promotion of its registry with closer relationships across Asia’s shipbuilding and shipping sectors.