Trade between China and Cyprus rose 26% year on year to $1.44 billion (€1.29 billion) in 2025, opening further opportunities for cooperation in shipping, tourism, green technology and digital services.
Speaking at a business forum in Nicosia on Tuesday, China’s ambassador to Cyprus, Yang Yundong, said China had become Cyprus’ fourth-largest trading partner. Cypriot products, including halloumi, zivania and fresh juices, are also gaining ground in the Chinese market.
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Expanding Bilateral Business Ties
Yang highlighted shipping, tourism, green technologies and the digital economy as promising areas for cooperation, while positioning Cyprus as a potential bridge between China and the European Union.
Organised by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), the forum marked 55 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
KEVE chairman Stavros Stavrou said the priority was to turn longstanding ties into concrete business partnerships. Cyprus offers Chinese companies access to the EU single market, while China provides opportunities for Cypriot businesses seeking to expand internationally.
Tourism And Technology Drive Opportunities
A forthcoming agreement between Cyprus-based travel agency Top Kinisis and China’s Zhejiang Overseas (Ningbo) International Travel Service illustrates the potential for closer commercial cooperation.
Marios Tannousis, director of Invest Cyprus, identified information and communications technology as a key contributor to the Cypriot economy. The sector generates an estimated €4 billion annually, equivalent to around 15% of GDP.
Tannousis also highlighted Cyprus’ ability to attract foreign direct investment from multiple regions, noting that the country ranks among the world’s top 10 for FDI per capita.
Strengthening Business Connections
Theodoros Parperis, chairman of the Cyprus-China Business Association, called for further expansion of trade and investment. Established in 1995 under the auspices of KEVE and the Chinese embassy in Cyprus, the association now has more than 200 members.
The forum highlighted opportunities to deepen economic ties, with future growth depending on businesses turning market access and shared interests into practical partnerships across key sectors.
