Cyprus And UAE Strengthen Economic Bridge With Business Council Launch In Dubai

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 28, 2025

Establishing A Strategic Partnership

Cyprus has cemented its commercial relationship with the United Arab Emirates this week as Energy Minister George Papanastasiou inaugurated the Cyprus Business Council (CBC) in Dubai. The minister described this initiative as a tangible step toward further solidifying economic cooperation and expanding mutual opportunities between the two nations.

Connecting Markets For Sustainable Development

At the council’s founding ceremony and inaugural general assembly, held during the Doers Summit 2025, Minister Papanastasiou outlined the CBC’s mission to serve as a structured platform, facilitating meaningful exchanges among companies, investors, and innovators from both markets. Such collaboration is anticipated to drive sustainable growth through technology transfer, joint ventures, and shared prosperity.

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Focused Sectors: Energy, Innovation And Beyond

Systematic cooperation will now target a spectrum of sectors ranging from energy, innovation, and green technologies to tourism, maritime services, and infrastructure projects. Both Cyprus and the UAE are aligned in their ambition to advance fields like the food and water chain, digital assets, and digital transformation—efforts that promise significant regional and global impact.

Leadership And Industry Collaboration

The CBC, established by the Republic’s Trade Centre in Dubai under the auspices of Dubai Chambers, will be headquartered in the emirate and guided by a nine-member board. Key figures on the board include President Yiannos Olympios, Vice President Andrea Stephani, Treasurer Dina El Guindi, and Secretary Andreas Tsintos, together with noted professionals Demetris Zampoglou, Georgios Pantechis, Phoivos Stephanou, Theodoros Kriggou, and Michalis Nicolaou.

Government Endorsements And Future Outlook

Senior government officials were present at the ceremony, reflecting the importance of this initiative. Attendees included Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, UAE Deputy Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Cyprus Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodemos Damianou, and Cypriot Ambassador to the UAE Meropi Christofi. Their presence underscores a robust bilateral commitment to innovation and economic development.

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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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