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Cyprus Invests €10 Million To Empower Agricultural Sector

Cyprus is making a substantial investment of €10 million to bolster its agricultural sector, aiming to modernize and enhance the sustainability of rural economies. This initiative, which provides substantial subsidies to farmers and producers, focuses on critical areas such as infrastructure development, the adoption of innovative and energy-efficient technologies, and the promotion of organic farming practices. The government’s goal is to increase productivity, improve the competitiveness of Cypriot agricultural products, and ensure the long-term viability of the sector.

The program is particularly focused on fostering innovation within the sector. By supporting the adoption of new technologies, such as advanced irrigation systems and precision farming tools, the initiative aims to optimize resource use and increase yields. This technological upgrade is expected to not only boost productivity but also reduce the environmental impact of farming practices, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

In addition to technological improvements, the investment also seeks to support the development of organic farming, which has been identified as a key growth area for Cypriot agriculture. By promoting organic practices, the program aims to meet the rising demand for high-quality, environmentally friendly products both domestically and in international markets. This focus on organic farming is part of a larger trend towards sustainability in agriculture, which is increasingly being recognized as essential for long-term economic and environmental health.

The investment is also designed to support the social fabric of rural areas. By providing financial incentives and support for young farmers, the government hopes to encourage a new generation to enter the agricultural sector, countering the trend of rural depopulation. This is critical for maintaining the vitality of rural communities and ensuring that Cyprus’s agricultural traditions continue to thrive.

Furthermore, this initiative is expected to create a ripple effect across the economy. By enhancing the agricultural sector’s productivity and sustainability, the program will likely lead to increased exports of Cypriot agricultural products, boosting the island’s economy. The government’s strategic focus on agriculture as a key economic driver underscores the sector’s importance to Cyprus’s overall economic development.

Cyprus Tech Sector Propels Economic Growth and Reshapes Talent Landscape

Robust Economic Expansion

At the recent TechIsland Summit, Christophoros Anayiotos, Head of Deal Advisory at KPMG Cyprus, delivered a compelling assessment of the island’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. The 2024 report highlights that the technology sector now contributes 16% of Cyprus’ total Gross Value Added (GVA), up from 12.6% in the previous year. Overall, the sector’s economic impact is estimated at €8.5 billion, with direct contributions of €4.7 billion and an additional €3.8 billion generated indirectly.

Sectoral Contributions and Productivity

Using the Leontief Input-Output Model, the study covers key areas including ICT, professional scientific and technical activities, as well as tech-driven financial and insurance services. Notably, the ICT segment itself delivers €3.4 billion in direct GVA, while professional services and financial operations contribute €840 million and €505 million respectively. This horizontal spread of technological influence underscores the industry’s pivotal role in driving multifaceted business growth.

Resilience During Economic Downturns

Even amid challenging economic conditions, the tech sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In the pandemic-stricken year of 2020, while the broader Cypriot economy contracted by 3%, the ICT sector experienced a robust growth rate of 21%. This momentum accelerated further to a striking 38% growth in 2021, reinforcing technology’s role as a stabilizing economic force.

Divergent Trends in Employment

Anayiotos’ analysis reveals that the tech sector now sustains over 62,000 full-time equivalent jobs in Cyprus, with 45,900 direct and 16,300 indirect roles. For every €1 million in increased sector revenue, approximately 13 jobs are generated. Despite the overall employment surge, there has been a significant shift in workforce composition. In 2015, Cypriot nationals comprised 88% of ICT employees; by 2024, this figure dropped to 50%, with non-EU nationals accounting for 42% and other EU citizens 8% of the workforce.

Cyprus as an EU Leader in ICT

Cyprus now holds a prominent place in the EU, ranking second in the EU27 for ICT’s share of national GVA at 11.4%, a notable rise from 9.4% in 2023. Furthermore, the island leads the bloc in ICT GVA growth, posting a remarkable 347% increase between 2015 and 2024. With a top-five ranking in GVA per ICT employee—whereby each contributes approximately €130,000, compared to the EU average of €116,000—the country’s technology workforce has expanded at an annual growth rate of 12.1%, from 9,300 in 2015 to 26,000 in 2024.

Strategic Imperatives for Future Growth

Anayiotos emphasizes the need for strategic enhancements to sustain this expansion. Key recommendations include improving air connectivity, joining the Schengen Area to boost mobility, and attracting more international banking institutions. Additionally, introducing tax incentives designed to favor stock options is considered crucial in luring and retaining skilled talent. Addressing the limited capacity in private education is also vital to accommodating professionals relocating with families.

Investing in Talent and Digital Transformation

Looking forward, investments in education and digital upskilling remain paramount. There is a clear call for a national initiative aimed at promoting STEM careers, elevating the digital skills of both students and educators, and accelerating the digital transformation of public services. Moreover, streamlining legal procedures will be critical to improving the overall business climate and competitiveness.

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