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Government Achievements: Employment Surge And Falling Unemployment In Cyprus

The Cypriot government has achieved remarkable success in bolstering employment and reducing unemployment, according to Labour and Social Insurance Minister Yiannis Panayiotou. Over the past two years, employment in Cyprus has soared by 4.3%, reaching an all-time high of 79.8% in 2024, while unemployment has plummeted by 21%, settling at 4.9%.

Impactful Policies And Future Goals

During a comprehensive press conference on April 15, Minister Panayiotou highlighted the government’s dedication to a human-centric policy. Key outcomes include not only increases in employment and skilled workforce development but also a significant boost in average wages. For comparison, the national employment target of 80% by 2030, part of the European Pillar of Social Rights, is anticipated to be achieved as early as 2025.

Furthermore, noteworthy strides have been made in empowering women and youth in the workforce, hitting unprecedented employment figures for these groups. The youth employment rate, now at 87%, represents a historical peak.

Sustainability And Economic Growth

Skill development focusing on green and digital education has been amplified, with training programs expanding almost sevenfold. The surge in average wages—rising to just under €2,500 in 2024 from approximately €2,000 in the previous decade—demonstrates substantial economic growth. Meanwhile, the government has ensured that wage increases surpass inflation, thereby improving living standards.

Additionally, the government’s decision to raise the minimum wage to €1,000 further exemplifies its commitment to economic stability and social cohesion.

As Cyprus continues to shape its future, the government’s policies are undeniably building a solid foundation for a prosperous and sustainable economy.

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

  • Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
  • Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
  • Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
  • Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
  • Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
  • Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
  • Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.

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