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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

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.

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

by News Editor

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.

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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