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Cyprus Strengthens Role As Regional Business And Investment Hub

At a high-level roundtable organized by Invest Cyprus in Mumbai, President Nikos Christodoulidis affirmed that Cyprus remains a stable, reliable, and predictable partner within the global marketplace.

Strategic Geographic Position And Global Connectivity

The President emphasized that Cyprus is not only a natural ally of India but also a crucial bridge to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. He highlighted that one of Cyprus’ most significant competitive advantages is its strategic geographic location, positioning the island as a nexus for regional and international connectivity.

Robust Economic Growth And Fiscal Discipline

President Christodoulidis proudly noted that the Cypriot economy is experiencing one of the fastest growth trajectories in the European Union, supported by a markedly reduced public debt. This fiscal prudence, coupled with robust economic performance, underscores Cyprus’ commitment to sustainable growth and stability.

Unprecedented Foreign Investment And Global Expansion

Foreign direct investment into Cyprus has now exceeded €81 billion, according to Christodoulides, representing more than 225% of the country’s GDP. The President said growing international investment flows have encouraged multinational companies to establish regional headquarters and operational centres in Cyprus. He also noted that continued foreign investment reflects increasing international confidence in the country’s business environment and regulatory framework.

Progress Toward Schengen Zone Accession

Addressing Cyprus’ efforts to join the Schengen Area, Christodoulides said substantial progress has already been achieved. A political decision regarding accession is expected between the end of 2026 and early 2027, according to the President. Membership would further strengthen Cyprus’ position as an international business, tourism and transport hub within Europe.

Enhancing Global Economic Integration Through IMEC

Christodoulides also discussed Cyprus’ role within the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing the initiative as an important step toward deeper global economic integration. The President said Cyprus could serve as a strategic connectivity point within the corridor due to its geographic position and established infrastructure links. According to Christodoulides, projects such as IMEC reflect a broader global shift toward stronger interregional trade networks and integrated economic systems.

Cyprus Has One Of The EU’s Oldest Teaching Workforces

Only 3% of teachers in Cyprus are under 30, putting the country alongside Portugal for the lowest share of young teachers in the European Union, according to a European Commission report. The figure is well below the EU average of 8%, while Malta has the highest proportion at 17%, followed by Belgium and Luxembourg at around 15%.

Cyprus is also the only EU member state identified in the report as having a surplus of teachers, despite the workforce being relatively old.

Older Teachers Remain Highly Satisfied

The teaching profession appears to remain attractive to those already working in it. In 2024, 73% of Cypriot teachers said they were satisfied with their salaries, compared with just 37.3% across the EU. Job satisfaction was also high, reaching 93% in Cyprus versus 90% across the bloc.

The age gap is particularly visible in secondary education, where teachers in Cyprus averaged 46 years old in 2024, compared with 45 across OECD member states. Only 4% were under 30, while 33% were aged 50 or older.

Reform Could Change The System

The findings come as Cyprus moves toward the final stage of its teacher evaluation reform. Until August next year, vacancies will continue to be divided between the old appointment list and the newer system introduced in 2015.

From next September, first-appointment vacancies will be filled exclusively through the new list. The European Commission has meanwhile called for stronger efforts to attract and retain younger teachers, including through better working conditions and greater support for people entering the profession.

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