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Cyprus And Hong Kong Sign Double Taxation Agreement

Cyprus and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China have signed a double taxation agreement to eliminate double taxation on income and strengthen efforts to combat tax evasion and avoidance. Signed on June 12, 2026, in Hong Kong, the agreement was formalized by Cyprus Ambassador Koula Sofianou, accompanied by Acting Consul Harindarpal Singh Banga, and Hong Kong Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui.

Modern Tax Collaboration Framework

According to Cyprus’ Ministry of Finance, the agreement establishes a framework for tax cooperation intended to facilitate business activity and support investment and trade between the two jurisdictions. Clear rules governing cross-border transactions are expected to reduce the tax burden on businesses and individuals while limiting opportunities for tax evasion and avoidance.

Provisions included in the treaty also provide for the exchange of tax information and establish procedures for resolving tax disputes, offering greater certainty to investors and companies operating in both markets.

Enhancing Economic Alliances

Efforts to strengthen economic and financial relations are reflected in the new agreement between the two jurisdictions. Recognized as one of the world’s leading financial centres, Hong Kong plays an important role in international trade and investment. Closer commercial ties and expanded opportunities for businesses operating across both markets are among the expected benefits of the treaty. Broader international efforts to promote tax transparency and strengthen cooperation between tax authorities also form part of the agreement’s objectives.

Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

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