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Cyprus Unveils New Employment And Education Plans For People With Disabilities

by News Editor

Cyprus is introducing a broad package of measures aimed at improving employment, education and long-term support for people with disabilities, with the government seeking to create a more structured transition from school into adult life. President Nikos Christodoulides unveiled the reforms on Tuesday, saying the goal is to ensure people with disabilities can work, build careers and participate fully in the country’s economic and social life.

Personalised Support After School

At the heart of the new policy is a personalised transition plan for every student leaving special education at the age of 22. Rather than finishing school without a clear pathway, each graduate will receive an individual plan designed to support the move into employment, further education or other services. Two new employment programmes are also expected to launch before the end of 2026.

Stronger Incentives For Employers

Financial support for social enterprises hiring people with disabilities will increase from €10,000 to €25,000, with the subsidy remaining available until 2030. Investments in social enterprises will also qualify for tax exemptions of up to €150,000. According to the government, around 460 people currently participate in state-supported employment programmes.

More Education Opportunities

The reforms extend educational opportunities beyond the age of 22 through a new Inclusion and Professional Empowerment programme at post-secondary vocational education and training institutes. Participants will be able to continue their education, receive recognised diplomas and access support from personal professional assistants and vocational teachers.

Expanding Support Services

Alongside the education and employment measures, the government plans to invest €4 million in new day centres offering 30 educational programmes for adults with disabilities. Each participant will receive a €300 transport allowance, while three new autism centres are scheduled to open in Nicosia and Ayia Napa.

Closing A Longstanding Gap

Presenting the reforms, Christodoulides said previous policies failed to create a smooth transition between education, training, employment and care, leaving many young adults with disabilities without clear opportunities after leaving school. He described the new framework as a coordinated effort involving five ministries, the Deputy Ministry to the President and the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, with the aim of providing long-term support rather than temporary solutions.

The president said the reforms are intended to ensure people with disabilities have the same opportunity to plan their future as any other citizen.

“Inclusion means ensuring that no one is left behind and that everyone has real choices and equal opportunities,” he said.

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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