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Cyprus Accelerates Business Modernization With Bilingual Electronic Certificates

Legislative Reforms Pave the Way

In a transformative step towards modernizing its administrative framework, Cyprus has introduced a comprehensive package of legislative reforms aimed at streamlining procedures and enhancing business facilitation. With the enhanced system now covering the complete spectrum of registered entities—from domestic and foreign companies to European Economic Interest Groupings and cooperatives—the initiative is set to modernize a traditionally cumbersome process.

Modern Electronic Framework

The new framework, developed under the Directorate of the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (DRCIP) strategy, introduces 64 distinct types of certificates, including 24 new certificates and 40 registration certificates. Issued exclusively via the Companies Section through an innovative electronic solution, these documents will be managed entirely online, substantially reducing the need for in-person transactions.

Enhanced Accessibility and Security

The reforms incorporate bilingual certification in Greek and English, thereby facilitating greater accessibility and strengthening cross-border business relations. Furthermore, the introduction of modern certificate types and an electronic seal from the department ensures the authenticity of documents, bolstering document security while meeting contemporary business demands.

Future Impact and Efficiency Gains

By leveraging modernized electronic procedures, the legislative changes are anticipated to significantly reduce processing times for issuing certificates. This evolution not only promises enhanced document security and international utility, but it also supports seamless international transactions—an essential benefit for businesses operating in a globally interconnected environment.

Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.

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