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Agriculture Minister announces €109.3 million strategy for primary sector

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 11, 2024

Cyprus has launched a new strategy for its agricultural sector, aiming at sustainable development, innovation, and economic resilience.

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment Maria Panayiotou introduced the strategy at a press conference on 10 October, stressing that “it is not just an initiative, but a roadmap reflecting our vision for the future of Cypriot agriculture.”

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The strategy, which includes 11 key actions with a budget of €109.3 million, covers the period from 2024 to 2028 and was approved by the Council of Ministers on October 2, 2024.

“Our aim is to establish a new model for the primary sector, ensuring sustainable production, economic support, and access to new technologies,” Panayiotou said. She noted the government’s commitment to providing solid tools and support for farmers, moving beyond emergency measures to a robust, development-oriented approach.

The new strategy aims to increase the contribution of the agricultural sector to Cyprus’ GDP, which currently stands at 1.8%. It will focus on expanding the sector’s capabilities while promoting sustainability and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

“We want to ensure the needs of the domestic market are met while promoting Cypriot products in new international markets,” Panayiotou added.

Key elements of the strategy include boosting the professional farming sector through priority measures and scoring systems, water management interventions to combat drought, and the adoption of smart farming technologies. The strategy will also address market gaps by supporting the use of untapped agricultural land and promoting cooperation among producer groups.

Panayiotou emphasised that the new strategy would support the long-term competitiveness of Cyprus’ agricultural sector, focusing on high-quality, affordable products for consumers and fair incomes for farmers.

The actions in the strategy will be funded through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and national resources, with the University of Cyprus’ Economic Research Centre tasked with evaluating its overall impact on the economy. The 11 actions cover areas such as green competitiveness, livestock sector support, new financing tools for agriculture, quality certification for Cypriot products, and risk management in agricultural production.

UAE’s Foreign Trade Hits Record $820 Billion In 2024, Fueled By Strategic Deals

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 5, 2025

In 2024, the UAE’s foreign trade reached a historic $820 billion (AED 3 trillion), marking a significant achievement for the nation. This milestone was driven by a rise in international trade agreements, with Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting the pivotal role these partnerships played in the country’s economic growth.

Strong Trade Growth

The UAE’s foreign trade saw a robust 14.6% year-on-year growth in 2024, a stark contrast to global trade growth of just 2%. Sheikh Mohammed credited the nation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties globally, with a particular emphasis on the role of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has worked tirelessly to cultivate stronger international relationships.

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The Impact Of CEPAs

A key contributor to the UAE’s foreign trade success is the implementation of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). These agreements, spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, added an impressive $36.8 billion (AED 135 billion) to the UAE’s non-oil trade in 2024, marking a 42% increase from the previous year. These agreements are helping to cement the UAE’s position as a global trade hub.

Achieving Ambitious Goals Early

In 2021, the UAE set an ambitious target of reaching $1.1 trillion (AED 4 trillion) in foreign trade by 2031. By the end of 2024, the country had already achieved 75% of this goal, putting it on track to surpass this target well ahead of schedule. This rapid progress reflects the UAE’s strong economic vision and strategic focus on progress over politics.

Exports Surge

The UAE’s exports also saw a significant jump in 2024, rising 32% between January and October compared to the same period in 2023. This performance highlights the strength of the country’s industrial strategy and its growing global market access.

Outlook for 2025

The UAE’s economic outlook remains strong, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasting 4% growth in 2025, driven by non-oil sectors such as tourism, construction, and financial services.

In conclusion, the UAE’s record-breaking trade figures are a testament to its effective economic strategies and its growing influence in global markets.