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Cyprus Courts Foreign Investors With Stability, Reform And A Broader Global Reach

Cyprus is seeking to turn economic resilience, political stability and expanding international ties into stronger foreign investment, President Nikos Christodoulides said as seven companies were recognised at the 14th Invest Cyprus International Investment Awards.

The ceremony, held at the Hilton Nicosia, honoured Hartmann Group, Accor, Kraken, a Payward company, SayGames, Reconiq Software Ltd, a member of the Plath Group, Coral S.A. – Coral Cyprus and Premium Access Cyprus.

Stability As An Investment Proposition

Addressing investors, Christodoulides said Cyprus is positioning itself around “stability, perspective, development and security,” arguing that investment decisions depend on confidence in a country’s institutions, people and long-term prospects. He said the government’s newly launched national promotion strategy presents Cyprus as “a stable European state with a global orientation” and a European business hub with international reach.

The president highlighted stronger economic growth, solid public finances, lower public debt and Cyprus’ return to an “A” investment-grade rating for the first time since 2011. He also pointed to full employment for the first time since 2008. Christodoulides said Cyprus must continue modernising the public sector, simplifying procedures and accelerating digital transformation.

Foreign Policy As An Economic Tool

The president also linked the country’s investment agenda to foreign policy. Following his state visit to India, he said opportunities were emerging in technology, financial services, shipping, education, energy, tourism, supply chains and trade.

He described Cyprus as “a reliable European gateway for Indian businesses,” providing access to the European Union as well as the Eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf and North Africa.

Christodoulides added that relations with Kazakhstan were expanding and that a visit to the United States is planned later this year to strengthen economic ties and attract additional investment.

He also highlighted the Minds in Cyprus initiative as part of efforts to attract skilled talent and support a knowledge-based economy.

Business Leaders Call For Continued Reform

Invest Cyprus chairman Evgenios Evgeniou said the companies recognised at the ceremony had contributed to employment, innovation, sector development and Cyprus’ international connectivity.

He said foreign direct investment had helped make technology one of the country’s key growth sectors, while urging continued reforms, including faster digitalisation, judicial reform, less bureaucracy and further investment in infrastructure.

PwC Cyprus chief executive Andreas Yiasemides said Cyprus should prioritise long-term, sustainable and innovative investment rather than focusing solely on volume. He added that continued progress would depend on cooperation between the government, regulators, businesses and the professional services sector.

Cyprus Promotes Ship Registry In Asia As Fleet Grows To 25-Year High

Cyprus is stepping up efforts to attract international shipowners, with Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis holding high-level meetings in China and Japan as the country’s ship register reaches its strongest level in 25 years.

Running from October 14 to 29, the Asian mission focuses on expanding commercial ties, promoting the advantages of the Cyprus flag and strengthening cooperation with shipowners, shipbuilders and maritime authorities.

China Meetings Target Shipowners And Industry Leaders

In Shanghai, Hadjimanolis met Wang Qian, vice-director of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Commission of Commerce and Shipping Service Office, ahead of the North Bund International Shipping Forum on October 20–21. Organisers expect around 4,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions, with discussions covering international shipping, maritime safety, financing, insurance, digitalisation and the transition to cleaner fuels.

The minister also met representatives of Dalian Trawind Shipping and Fortuna Shipbrokers Inc. to present the Cyprus registry’s advantages and explore registration opportunities for vessel owners. On October 20, she is scheduled to speak at the 10th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum in Pudong, joining a ministerial roundtable on international maritime leadership.

A visit to Zhoushan is also planned for the naming ceremony of Kypros Island, a new vessel for the Cyprus register owned by Safe Bulkers. Launched in June at the Tsuneishi shipyard on Xiushan Island, the 81,200-deadweight-tonne methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier is scheduled for delivery at the end of October. According to the Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration, sea trials were due to take place between October 11 and 16.

Japan Engagements Strengthen Maritime Ties

Before travelling to China, Hadjimanolis met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kenta Aoshima, in Tokyo on October 16. Her programme also included meetings with senior representatives of Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Nihon Shipyard, NYK Line, ITOCHU Corporation and SSY Projects, focusing on cooperation with Japanese shipowners, shipbuilders and shipping operators.

At the 5th Annual Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum, held at the Tokyo American Club, Hadjimanolis discussed maritime leadership, competitiveness, policy and international cooperation with Capital Link founder and president Nicolas Bornozis. Other sessions examined Japan’s shipbuilding strategy, new-vessel financing and the development of ammonia-powered ships.

The Tokyo programme followed a Cyprus Ship Registry reception on October 15 for representatives of Japan’s maritime and business communities. Hadjimanolis outlined the country’s shipping services and regulatory framework, while Polys Hajioannou, chief executive of Safe Bulkers and president of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, delivered the opening remarks.

Registry Reaches Highest Level In 25 Years

At the reception, Hadjimanolis said the Cyprus Ship Registry had grown by 27% since September 2023, reaching its highest level in a quarter of a century. She attributed the expansion to efforts to improve competitiveness, simplify administrative procedures and provide more responsive services to international shipowners.

Cyprus’s inclusion on the White Lists of the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding was another point highlighted by the minister. These lists reflect the safety and inspection performance of ships flying a national flag.

Existing commercial links with Japan include Safe Bulkers’ announcement in May of four Japanese-built dry bulk vessels scheduled for delivery in 2029.

South Korea Next On The Maritime Agenda

Hadjimanolis’ mission will continue in South Korea, where she is expected to attend the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event and Korea Maritime Week alongside International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and government representatives from several countries.

Her programme will also include discussions on implementing international maritime conventions and bilateral talks aimed at strengthening Cyprus’s shipping ties with South Korea.

The Asian outreach comes as maritime centres compete for shipowners amid geopolitical uncertainty, fleet renewal and pressure to reduce shipping emissions. For Cyprus, the strategy combines promotion of its registry with closer relationships across Asia’s shipbuilding and shipping sectors.

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