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Bank of Cyprus Invests €2 Million In 33East Investment Fund

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 26, 2024

The Bank of Cyprus has taken a significant step in supporting innovation and technology by becoming a founding financier in the 33East Investment Fund with a €2 million investment. This initiative is part of the Cyprus Capital Financing Fund, promoted by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The Fund aims to bridge the financial gap in the Cypriot market, primarily investing in start-ups and innovative companies.

Strategic Move for Innovation

The creation of the Cyprus Capital Financing Fund marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s economic landscape. The Ministry of Finance initiated this project to foster growth in sectors that traditionally face funding challenges. The Fund, with a projected size of €37.5 million, will benefit from a substantial state contribution of €27 million, financed mainly through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, while the remaining funds will come from private investments.

Collaboration with the European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank (EIB) plays a crucial role in overseeing the Fund’s operation, ensuring that investments are strategically directed towards high-potential ventures. Through a competitive selection process, 33East was chosen by the EIB to manage the Fund, highlighting the confidence placed in their expertise and vision.

Bank of Cyprus’s Commitment

The participation of the Bank of Cyprus in this fund exemplifies its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the diversification of Cyprus’s economic model. Eliza Livadiotou, Executive Director of Finance at the Bank of Cyprus, expressed the bank’s enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable development and economic diversification.

Supporting Innovation and Start-ups

The investment by the Bank of Cyprus is expected to catalyse growth in the start-up ecosystem, providing much-needed capital to innovative enterprises. Demetrios Zoppos, co-founder of 33East, welcomed the bank’s involvement, recognising it as a significant boost for technology and innovation in Cyprus.

Government and Industry Support

George Pantelis, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, emphasised the importance of the Fund and the role of the Bank of Cyprus in achieving a modern, knowledge-based economy. The collaboration between the public sector and financial institutions like the Bank of Cyprus is crucial for realising the vision of a dynamic and resilient economic environment in Cyprus.

Record: One In Every $10 Spent Worldwide Is On Travel

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 4, 2024

A record $1 in every $10 spent globally in 2024 will be on travel, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) annual report.

KEY FACTS

The travel and tourism industry’s contribution to global gross domestic product is expected to reach a new record as consumers view travel as an increasingly essential part of their budget.
The WTTC forecasts that the industry’s contribution to global GDP this year will increase by 12.1% year-on-year to $11.1 trillion. dollars, which represents 10 percent of the world’s gross domestic product.
Travel spending in the US, Chinese and German economies is expected to contribute the most to GDP.
The sector will support nearly 348 million jobs in 2024, or 13.6 million positions more than in 2019 – the previous record before the pandemic. The industry is still hiring to fill positions in the fast-growing field.

IMPORTANT QUOTE

“Despite some concerns last year about us entering a global recession and accelerating inflation, this year we believe travel and tourism are a real economic force globally,” said the NGO’s chief executive Julia Simpson, quoted by Reuters.