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Cyprus And Kazakhstan Seek Closer Trade And Investment Cooperation

Cyprus has identified Kazakhstan as an important partner in Central Asia, President Nikos Christodoulides said during the inaugural Cyprus-Kazakhstan Business Forum in Astana. The forum focused on economic cooperation, investment and connectivity between the two countries.

Strategic Connectivity And Economic Partnership

President Christodoulides said Kazakhstan is playing an increasingly important role in connecting Europe and Asia through expanding trade and transport corridors. According to the President, stronger commercial and investment links across Eurasia could create new opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.

Robust Economic Performance And Fiscal Stability

Highlighting Cyprus’ economic performance, President Christodoulides noted that the country recorded 3% growth in the first quarter of 2026. Forecasts by the European Commission indicate that Cyprus is expected to remain among the fastest-growing economies in the European Union, while unemployment remains at historically low levels. The President also referred to budget surpluses and declining public debt, which is projected to reach approximately 52.2% of GDP by 2025. Recent assessments by international rating agencies have reaffirmed Cyprus’ credit ratings.

A Hub For Investment And Innovation

Cyprus maintains a corporate tax rate of 15%, one of the lowest in the European Union. An extensive network of double taxation agreements covering more than 65 countries, including Kazakhstan and India, further supports the country’s position as a destination for international investment. President Christodoulides said these factors contribute to a predictable and reliable business environment for investors.

Enhancing Logistics, Digital Transformation And Trade

As transport networks and supply chains continue to evolve, Cyprus is seeking to strengthen its role as a logistics and connectivity hub linking Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. The recent launch of direct Air Astana flights between Kazakhstan and Cyprus was highlighted as an example of growing connectivity between the two countries, supporting business travel, tourism and investment flows.

Expanding Bilateral Opportunities

The forum also highlighted sectors with potential for cooperation, including shipping and maritime services, transport and logistics, fintech, artificial intelligence and innovation, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture and food security. President Christodoulides said Cyprus can serve as an entry point to the European market for companies from Kazakhstan looking to expand their activities within the region.

Looking Ahead: A Partnership For Sustainable Growth

In their closing remarks, President Nikos Christodoulides and Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the importance of turning business and investment opportunities into concrete projects. Bektenov described Cyprus as a reliable partner in the Mediterranean and highlighted Kazakhstan’s ongoing reforms under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev aimed at supporting economic development, innovation and investment. He also referred to recent increases in GDP and foreign direct investment, which have strengthened Kazakhstan’s position as a regional centre for trade and investment.

The forum concluded with discussions on expanding cooperation between the two countries and strengthening economic ties across a range of sectors.

Eurobank Among First Greek Companies To Receive New Diversity Seal

Eurobank has emerged as one of the first 41 companies in Greece to receive the newly introduced Diversity Seal, a state-backed distinction designed to recognise employers that put equality, diversity and inclusion into practice.

State Recognition For Inclusion In Action

The award was presented under an initiative launched by Greece’s Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family to recognise private-sector organisations that have embedded equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion into their business operations.

Presented on June 18, 2026, at the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens, the initiative aims to give formal recognition to companies that integrate inclusive practices into their workplace culture. Eurobank was represented at the ceremony by Group Chief Human Resources Officer Natassa Paschali.

A Structured Framework For Accountability

The Diversity Seal is the first organised state initiative in Greece designed to assess and recognise companies for implementing equal-opportunity policies and preventing workplace discrimination.

Assessments are based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria, examining not only company policies but also how inclusion is reflected in workplace culture, hiring practices and workforce composition.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort to establish a structured framework for evaluating and recognising diversity and inclusion practices across the private sector.

Eurobank Frames Inclusion As A Business Priority

Eurobank said the distinction reflects its long-standing commitment to creating a modern and inclusive working environment. According to the bank, respect, collaboration and equal opportunities are central to its corporate culture, while employees play an important role in fostering a workplace where diversity supports creativity, development and progress.

The bank also said its diversity, equality and inclusion policy is aligned with its core values and is intended to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to develop without discrimination.

That commitment applies regardless of personal characteristics, age, gender, family status, physical or mobility-related challenges, sexual orientation, social and economic background, or other characteristics and beliefs.

Why The Award Matters Now

The recognition comes at a time when environmental, social and governance considerations, including diversity and inclusion policies, are drawing greater attention from regulators, investors and businesses across Europe.

In that environment, workplace inclusion is increasingly viewed as more than a human resources initiative. It is becoming part of the broader governance and reputation agenda, with implications for resilience, culture and stakeholder trust.

Government And Corporate Leaders Emphasise Practice Over Promises

Commenting on the award, Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Domna Michailidou congratulated Eurobank and said diversity and inclusion should be reflected in everyday business operations rather than remain at the level of policy commitments. She noted that the Diversity Seal is awarded only after a formal evaluation process confirming that companies apply inclusion policies in practice.

“In a sector that is directly linked to trust, access and service for citizens, equality and inclusion cannot remain at the level of declarations,” Michailidou said. “They must be reflected in the way a bank organises its daily operations, supports its people, provides equal opportunities for advancement and creates a working environment free from exclusion.”

Paschali described the distinction as recognition of Eurobank’s long-term commitment to building an inclusive workplace and credited the bank’s employees with shaping its culture.

“Receiving the Diversity Seal is an important recognition of our commitment to creating a modern and deeply human working environment,” she said. “This distinction belongs to the people of Eurobank, who every day help shape a culture of respect, collaboration and inclusion.”

She also thanked the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family for the initiative, adding that Eurobank would continue investing in actions that strengthen equal participation, development and opportunities for everyone.

Part Of Greece’s Wider Recovery Agenda

The Diversity Seal is being implemented by the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family through the “Awareness of Diversity” initiative under Greece’s “Greece 2.0” National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

The programme is funded through the European Union’s NextGenerationEU initiative, which supports reforms and investments aimed at strengthening social cohesion, economic resilience and sustainable development across member states.

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