Cyprus And Lebanon Move To Advance Long-Planned Electricity Interconnection

Cyprus and Lebanon are taking a significant step toward a long-discussed electricity interconnection project that could reshape energy links across the eastern Mediterranean.

Formal Request To The World Bank

According to reliable information, the two governments are expected to sign a joint letter within days requesting World Bank financing for an undersea electricity interconnection. The move marks the transition from political discussions to a formal international funding process.

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From Feasibility Study To Strategic Project

Nicosia and Beirut jointly approached the World Bank at the end of 2025 to prepare a feasibility study for the proposed project. The study is expected to examine technical feasibility, potential tariffs and the project’s commercial viability, all key factors in determining whether the interconnection can move forward.

Beyond creating a physical link between the two countries, the project could strengthen energy security, improve regional integration and expand access to wider electricity markets.

Possible Connection Point In Zouk

Lebanon’s Energy Minister Joe Saddi said in April that the most likely connection point would be the Zouk area.

He added that, if the project proceeds, Cyprus could eventually connect to the wider European electricity grid, creating a potential route for Lebanon to access the same network.

Such a development would extend the project’s importance beyond bilateral cooperation, positioning Cyprus as a potential energy bridge between the Middle East and Europe while giving Lebanon a stronger connection to the European electricity system.

A Broader Diplomatic And Energy Context

The initiative follows another milestone in relations between the two countries. On November 26, 2025, Cyprus and Lebanon signed a landmark agreement delimiting their Exclusive Economic Zones, strengthening the legal framework for closer cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean.

Taken together, the two initiatives suggest that energy, infrastructure and diplomacy are becoming increasingly interconnected as both countries seek to deepen regional cooperation and improve long-term energy security.

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Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

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IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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