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Cyprus–India Summit: A Strategic Gateway For European Expansion

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 23, 2026

Building Momentum For Bilateral Investment

The Cyprus–India Business and Investment Summit is building robust momentum ahead of its Mumbai edition on January 28. With registration numbers surpassing 400, the event underscores the growing strategic confidence in reinforcing bilateral trade and investment ties.

An Essential Forum For Business Leaders

Organized by IMH in collaboration with Invest Cyprus, the summit is set to convene a diverse and influential group from India’s business community as well as an active delegation from Cyprus. The platform is designed to transform high-level strategic alignments into concrete commercial opportunities.

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Cyprus As The European Entry Point

Cyprus is being positioned as the natural entry point for Indian companies seeking to penetrate the European market. The island’s blend of EU membership, a stable English common law system, competitive tax structures, skilled workforce, and relatively low operating costs makes it a vibrant hub for international business.

Integrating Policy With Global Business Needs

Participants will engage in discussions that extend far beyond traditional market access. Key topics include the critical interplay of entrepreneurship, innovation, and quality of life. The summit will feature detailed briefings on policy tools—from tax incentives to talent-attraction schemes—designed to support international expansion and cement long-term corporate presences.

A Conduit For Capital And Connectivity

The summit will also highlight Cyprus’s role as a crucial conduit for capital flow. Recognized as a Foreign Portfolio Investment Category I country, Cyprus effectively channels Western investment into India and serves as a gateway for Indian enterprises to Europe. Additionally, its strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean fosters stronger ties under the emerging IMEC—a corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe.

Strengthening East–West Trade Links

Cyprus’s advanced maritime infrastructure and established shipping ecosystem provide an edge in logistics and supply-chain integration. This inherently supports Indian shipping interests by reducing trade friction and enhancing East–West connectivity.

Expert Insights And Strategic Discussions

The conference will feature contributions from senior representatives in both the public and private sectors. Notable speakers include Invest Cyprus Deputy Director General Lia Riris, Cyprus’ High Commissioner to India Evagoras Vryonides, and the Honorary Consul of Cyprus in Mumbai Viraj Kulkarni. Additionally, industry voices from financial services, technology, and legal sectors—such as TechIsland General Manager Tanya Romanyukha and executives from leading institutions like Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank—will provide valuable perspectives on regulatory challenges and market trends.

A Catalyst For International Business Expansion

Aimed primarily at Mumbai’s business community, the summit is designed to promote Cyprus as an international investment hub and a strategic base for Indian companies targeting Europe. By facilitating structured dialogue among government officials, seasoned investors, and corporate leaders, the event intends to set the stage for expansive growth across sectors, including technology, finance, shipping, logistics, energy, tourism, education, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and creative industries.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

New Operating Hours Law To Transform Cyprus Hospitality Industry

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 16, 2026

Legislative Overhaul Targets Sectoral Modernization

The parliamentary Energy Committee is reviewing a proposal that could significantly reshape operating hours for hospitality and entertainment venues across Cyprus. The initiative also includes provisions for the establishment of recreational centres and is intended to close existing regulatory gaps while strengthening the competitiveness of the tourism and dining industries.

Industry Categorization and Operational Adjustments

The draft law introduces a new classification of service venues and adjusts operating schedules according to season. Following strong reactions from professional associations and other stakeholders, the government revised the bill before its submission for closed-door committee discussions. In line with parliamentary procedure, the detailed debate and final amendments will be decided exclusively by elected members of parliament.

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Seasonal Flexibility And Specific Amendments

Under the revised proposal, pubs and bars would operate on different seasonal timetables. From May 1 to September 30, opening hours would run from 7:00 AM to 2:30 AM on weekdays and Sundays, with an extension until 3:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. From October 1 to April 30, weekday and Sunday operations would end at 2:00 AM, while weekend hours would extend until 3:00 AM. These changes replace earlier rules that allowed restaurants, taverns, cafés, pizzerias and snack bars to operate from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM.

Refined Hours For Entertainment Venues

The legislation also sets updated schedules for event halls, reception venues and music or dance centres. During the summer period, these establishments would be permitted to operate from 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM on weekdays and Sundays, with later closing times on weekends. In winter, weekday and Sunday operations would end at 2:00 AM, again with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Earlier drafts proposed uniform early closures, but the revised version introduces more flexibility to better reflect market demand.

Local Authority Flexibility

Municipal councils would retain the right to temporarily adjust operating hours for recreational venues for up to six months per year. This provision is designed to give local authorities room to respond to tourism peaks, festivals or regional economic needs while maintaining a consistent national framework.

Final approval of the reform is expected to come from the full House of Representatives, with the bill scheduled for submission before the April session ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.