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Cyprus Records EU’s Fastest Economic Growth In First Quarter

Robust Growth In A Challenging Landscape

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, highlighted Cyprus’ recent economic performance during the 18th In Business Awards 2026 gala dinner, pointing to 3% economic growth in the first quarter of the year — the highest rate in the European Union.

He also noted that unemployment has fallen below 5%, placing Cyprus among the countries with the lowest unemployment levels in Europe despite continued geopolitical tensions, energy market volatility and broader global economic uncertainty.

Honoring Innovation And Strategic Investment

During his address, Christodoulides emphasized the role of entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders in strengthening Cyprus’ economic resilience and competitiveness. The awards ceremony, he said, reflects the country’s broader effort to support innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term economic development.

Fiscal Responsibility And Economic Resilience

The President also stressed the importance of fiscal discipline and stable economic management in helping Cyprus withstand both domestic and external pressures. He said continued upgrades from international credit rating agencies have strengthened investor confidence and improved Cyprus’ ability to attract high value-added investment. According to Christodoulides, those investments are contributing to trade growth while reinforcing Cyprus’ position as a business and investment gateway to the European market.

Aligning Education With Market Demands

Alongside economic reforms, the government is continuing efforts to align education more closely with labour market needs. Initiatives include expanding technical education programmes, introducing vocational guidance from an earlier stage in schools and updating curricula to place greater emphasis on practical skills development. The reforms are intended to better prepare future workers for evolving market conditions and emerging industries.

Forging Strategic Global Partnerships

International engagement remains a cornerstone of Cyprus’s strategy. President Christodoulides highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen ties with strategic partners such as India and Kazakhstan. His recent travels to Mumbai and New Delhi followed a landmark visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June, heralding a new chapter in Cyprus–India relations. This renewed collaboration is designed to unlock opportunities in technology, innovation, education, energy, and tourism, positioning Cyprus as a strategic European hub with a global footprint.

Nurturing Talent And Sustaining A Growth Trajectory

The president also highlighted initiatives such as the “Minds in Cyprus” campaign, developed together with Invest Cyprus, which aims to attract and retain skilled professionals. According to the government, strengthening human capital remains central to Cyprus’ long-term economic strategy and competitiveness.

A Vision For A Resilient Future

Through prudent policy-making, strategic investment in education, and dynamic international outreach, Cyprus is building the foundations for a new era of stability and prosperity. As the In Business Awards celebrate those who actively contribute to this vision, the President’s remarks serve as both a commendation of current achievements and a clarion call to further reinforce the nation’s competitive and resilient economic structure.

Cyprus Promotes Ship Registry In Asia As Fleet Grows To 25-Year High

Cyprus is stepping up efforts to attract international shipowners, with Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis holding high-level meetings in China and Japan as the country’s ship register reaches its strongest level in 25 years.

Running from October 14 to 29, the Asian mission focuses on expanding commercial ties, promoting the advantages of the Cyprus flag and strengthening cooperation with shipowners, shipbuilders and maritime authorities.

China Meetings Target Shipowners And Industry Leaders

In Shanghai, Hadjimanolis met Wang Qian, vice-director of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Commission of Commerce and Shipping Service Office, ahead of the North Bund International Shipping Forum on October 20–21. Organisers expect around 4,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions, with discussions covering international shipping, maritime safety, financing, insurance, digitalisation and the transition to cleaner fuels.

The minister also met representatives of Dalian Trawind Shipping and Fortuna Shipbrokers Inc. to present the Cyprus registry’s advantages and explore registration opportunities for vessel owners. On October 20, she is scheduled to speak at the 10th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum in Pudong, joining a ministerial roundtable on international maritime leadership.

A visit to Zhoushan is also planned for the naming ceremony of Kypros Island, a new vessel for the Cyprus register owned by Safe Bulkers. Launched in June at the Tsuneishi shipyard on Xiushan Island, the 81,200-deadweight-tonne methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier is scheduled for delivery at the end of October. According to the Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration, sea trials were due to take place between October 11 and 16.

Japan Engagements Strengthen Maritime Ties

Before travelling to China, Hadjimanolis met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kenta Aoshima, in Tokyo on October 16. Her programme also included meetings with senior representatives of Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Nihon Shipyard, NYK Line, ITOCHU Corporation and SSY Projects, focusing on cooperation with Japanese shipowners, shipbuilders and shipping operators.

At the 5th Annual Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum, held at the Tokyo American Club, Hadjimanolis discussed maritime leadership, competitiveness, policy and international cooperation with Capital Link founder and president Nicolas Bornozis. Other sessions examined Japan’s shipbuilding strategy, new-vessel financing and the development of ammonia-powered ships.

The Tokyo programme followed a Cyprus Ship Registry reception on October 15 for representatives of Japan’s maritime and business communities. Hadjimanolis outlined the country’s shipping services and regulatory framework, while Polys Hajioannou, chief executive of Safe Bulkers and president of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, delivered the opening remarks.

Registry Reaches Highest Level In 25 Years

At the reception, Hadjimanolis said the Cyprus Ship Registry had grown by 27% since September 2023, reaching its highest level in a quarter of a century. She attributed the expansion to efforts to improve competitiveness, simplify administrative procedures and provide more responsive services to international shipowners.

Cyprus’s inclusion on the White Lists of the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding was another point highlighted by the minister. These lists reflect the safety and inspection performance of ships flying a national flag.

Existing commercial links with Japan include Safe Bulkers’ announcement in May of four Japanese-built dry bulk vessels scheduled for delivery in 2029.

South Korea Next On The Maritime Agenda

Hadjimanolis’ mission will continue in South Korea, where she is expected to attend the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event and Korea Maritime Week alongside International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and government representatives from several countries.

Her programme will also include discussions on implementing international maritime conventions and bilateral talks aimed at strengthening Cyprus’s shipping ties with South Korea.

The Asian outreach comes as maritime centres compete for shipowners amid geopolitical uncertainty, fleet renewal and pressure to reduce shipping emissions. For Cyprus, the strategy combines promotion of its registry with closer relationships across Asia’s shipbuilding and shipping sectors.

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