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Cyprus Expands Export Reach At Foodex Japan 2026

Cyprus concluded its participation at Foodex Japan 2026, held from March 10 to March 13 at Tokyo Big Sight. The event forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s position in the Japanese market.

Strategic Engagement With Global Markets

The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Trade in cooperation with the Cyprus Trade Centre in Tokyo, focused on presenting export-ready products to international buyers. Participation also provided market insights expected to support future export strategies, particularly in Asia, where demand for Mediterranean products continues to grow.

Showcasing Culinary Excellence

The Cyprus pavilion featured key products, including halloumi, wines, olive oils, and salt. Live cooking demonstrations highlighted product applications and targeted professionals in the HORECA sector. Tastings were used to support brand recognition and introduce Cypriot products to new audiences.

Leveraging Collaborative Platforms

Participation within the EU Pavilion increased exposure to international buyers, importers, and distributors. Coordination by the European Commission facilitated access to a broader network and supported structured promotion of Cypriot exports.

Setting The Stage For Future Expansion

Foodex Japan 2026 attracted more than 72,000 professional visitors and 2,930 exhibitors from 74 countries and regions. The scale of the event highlights its role as a key platform for global food trade and provides opportunities for Cyprus to expand its export footprint in Asia.

Cyprus Ranks Among EU Leaders In Tertiary-Educated ICT Workforce

High Educational Attainment Sets Cyprus Apart

Recent data from Eurostat showed that Cyprus is expected to rank among the leading European countries for tertiary-educated ICT professionals in 2025. According to the figures, 96.4% of ICT professionals in Cyprus are projected to hold tertiary education qualifications, placing the country among the highest-ranked members of the European Union.

Gender Disparity Remains A Critical Challenge

Despite the high level of educational attainment, the ICT workforce in Cyprus continues to show a significant gender imbalance. Men are projected to account for 85.1% of ICT employees in 2025, while women are expected to represent 14.9% of the sector. In 2024, the split stood at 70.9% for men and 29.1% for women. The figures highlighted a widening gender gap within the country’s ICT workforce.

European Union Trends And Comparative Analysis

Across the European Union, the number of ICT professionals is projected to increase to 3.4 million in 2025 from 3.2 million in 2024, representing annual growth of 5.1%. Men are expected to account for 83.4% of ICT employment across the bloc, equivalent to approximately 2.8 million workers, while women are projected to represent 16.6%.

National Performance Variability In Gender Representation

Countries within the EU show a varied landscape: the highest percentages of male ICT professionals are reported in the Czech Republic (92.9%), Slovenia (89.1%), Latvia (89.0%), Lithuania (88.9%), and Slovakia (88.4%). On the contrary, nations such as Denmark (30.0%), Sweden (29.8%), Romania (28.6%), Bulgaria (25.6%), and Croatia (25.2%) lead in female participation in the ICT arena.

Educational Background Across The European ICT Sector

Eurostat data also showed that most ICT professionals across the EU hold tertiary education qualifications. By 2025, 74.8% of ICT workers in the bloc are projected to have university-level education, while 25.2% are expected to hold secondary or post-secondary qualifications. Denmark recorded the highest share of tertiary-educated ICT professionals at 97.7%, followed by France at 96.6% and Cyprus at 96.4%. Other countries with high levels of tertiary-educated ICT workers included Ireland at 92.3%, Bulgaria at 91.1%, and Croatia at 90.9%. At the lower end of the ranking, Italy recorded 69.2%, while Portugal stood at 58.8%.

Conclusion

The data perfectly encapsulates the dual narrative in the ICT sector: while countries like Cyprus and Denmark achieve remarkable educational standards among ICT workers, persistent gender disparities remind us that diversity remains an ongoing challenge. As the ICT landscape continues to evolve, strategic policy formation and corporate governance will be pivotal in balancing excellence with inclusivity.

Uol
Aretilaw firm
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