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Real Activity Growth In Cyprus Projected To Gather Momentum

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 31, 2024

Cyprus is poised for a significant economic upswing, with projections indicating a robust acceleration in real activity growth. This optimistic forecast is detailed in a recent report by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC), which underscores the nation’s economic resilience and potential for future expansion.

According to the CBC, real activity growth in Cyprus is expected to gain substantial momentum, driven by a confluence of favourable factors. These include a strong performance in key sectors such as tourism, construction, and professional services, coupled with strategic governmental policies aimed at fostering economic stability and growth.

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The tourism sector, a cornerstone of the Cypriot economy, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and recovery post-pandemic. The influx of tourists, particularly from Europe and the Middle East, has bolstered the sector, leading to increased revenue and job creation. This resurgence is expected to continue, supported by ongoing investments in infrastructure and marketing initiatives aimed at enhancing Cyprus’s appeal as a premier tourist destination.

In the construction sector, significant projects, both private and public, are set to drive growth. The development of residential and commercial properties, alongside infrastructure projects such as road networks and utility upgrades, is anticipated to stimulate economic activity. Additionally, the government’s focus on sustainable development and green building practices is likely to attract further investment and innovation in this sector.

Professional services, including finance, legal, and consulting, remain a critical component of Cyprus’s economic landscape. The island’s favourable business environment, strategic location, and robust regulatory framework have positioned it as a hub for international business. The continued growth of this sector is expected to contribute significantly to the overall economic momentum.

The CBC report also highlights the positive impact of governmental policies on economic growth. Measures such as fiscal consolidation, structural reforms, and investment in digital transformation have enhanced economic resilience and competitiveness. These policies have not only stabilized the economy but also created a conducive environment for sustainable growth.

Governor Constantinos Herodotou of the Central Bank of Cyprus expressed confidence in the country’s economic prospects, stating, “The projected growth in real activity is a testament to the resilience and dynamism of the Cypriot economy. Our strategic policies and the robust performance of key sectors are driving this positive outlook. We remain committed to fostering an environment that supports sustainable economic growth and development.”However, the report also cautions against potential risks that could temper this optimistic outlook. External factors such as geopolitical tensions, global economic slowdowns, and fluctuating energy prices could pose challenges. Domestically, issues such as labour market mismatches and the need for continued structural reforms must be addressed to ensure sustained growth.

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Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

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Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.