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Digital Cyprus Conference 2026 Puts AI At The Heart Of Business Transformation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 2, 2026

Artificial intelligence and digital transformation took centre stage this week as the 5th Digital Cyprus Conference 2026 brought together business leaders, policymakers, technology experts and internationally recognised speakers in Nicosia to discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of business.

AI Takes Centre Stage In Cyprus’ Digital Agenda

Organised by the Cyprus Information Technology Enterprises Association (CITEA) and IMH, the conference explored how artificial intelligence is transforming industries, changing the way businesses operate and creating new opportunities for growth across the economy.

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Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou highlighted the strategic role of digital transformation and AI adoption in strengthening Cyprus’ long-term competitiveness.

Business Leaders Examine The Next Wave Of Transformation

Building on that theme, speakers from Cyprus and abroad shared insights into the latest developments in digital technologies, focusing on the strategies businesses can adopt to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven marketplace.

Alongside the conference programme, participants also explored an outdoor technology exhibition showcasing innovative products, services and digital solutions from companies across the sector.

CITEA Says AI Is No Longer Optional

Reflecting on the discussions, CITEA President Giorgos Malekkos said the conference demonstrated not only how rapidly artificial intelligence is evolving, but also how businesses are already putting the technology into practice while preparing for the opportunities it is expected to create in the years ahead.

“AI is here to stay and was the central theme of the conference, a topic that will continue to be highly relevant in the years ahead,”
he said.

Malekkos added that CITEA and its members stand ready to help businesses take the next step by supporting the adoption and effective use of artificial intelligence.

A Growing Platform For Cyprus’ Digital Ecosystem

This year’s event once again reinforced the conference’s role as one of Cyprus’ leading forums for the business and technology community. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and technology providers, it provided a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing expertise and building new partnerships across Cyprus’ growing digital ecosystem.

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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 19, 2026

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.

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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.