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Cyprus Launches National Quality Certification System For Agricultural Products

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

The Ministry of Agriculture is introducing a National Quality Certification System designed to strengthen the quality, authenticity and competitiveness of Cypriot agricultural and livestock products.

The initiative, presented by Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Dr Maria Panayiotou at a Department of Agriculture event in Nicosia, will introduce a unified certification framework aimed at increasing transparency, consumer confidence and the market value of locally produced goods.

National Quality Mark With QR Code

Certified products will carry a National Quality Mark featuring a QR code and a rating of up to three stars.

By scanning the QR code, consumers will be able to access information about a product’s origin, certification status, supply chain and quality characteristics. The three-star rating will also reflect criteria such as food safety, environmental performance and overall product quality.

The ministry said the framework is intended to create a transparent certification system that helps distinguish Cypriot products in both domestic and international markets.

Focus On Quality Over Volume

Dr Panayiotou said the initiative responds to growing consumer demand for greater transparency while recognising that Cyprus must compete on quality rather than production volume.

“The new National Quality Mark is the identity of Cypriot products; it is proof that behind every product stands a producer who invests responsibly in quality, food safety, environmental protection and continuous improvement,” she said.

Financial Incentives For Producers

The ministry plans to provide annual financial support to farms and processing units to help cover certification costs, as well as administrative expenses, record-keeping and documentation.

Participation in the certification system will also be considered in ministry investment schemes, giving certified producers additional points when applying for funding for modernisation and upgrading projects.

The ministry said the certification mark is expected to strengthen the market position of Cypriot products by helping producers differentiate their goods while giving consumers greater confidence in product quality.

Supporting Exports And Competitiveness

According to Dr Panayiotou, the National Quality Mark is also intended to strengthen Cyprus’ international reputation by promoting the quality, authenticity and reliability of its agricultural products and supporting export growth.

The initiative forms part of the government’s Strategy for the Development of the Primary Sector, which aims to improve the competitiveness and resilience of the agricultural sector.

Department of Agriculture Director Maki Antoniadis said the certification framework will be based on objective criteria, transparent procedures and independent certification. The technical framework was presented by Department of Agriculture official Dr Anthemi Melifronidou Pantelidou, who outlined the certification process and the role of accredited conformity assessment bodies.

Dr Panayiotou called on producer and professional organisations to support the initiative and encourage wider participation in the new certification system.

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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