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Minds In Cyprus Gains Momentum With 750 Diaspora Professionals And 400 Skilled Vacancies

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 3, 2026

Cyprus Talent Platform Draws More Than 750 Diaspora Professionals

More than 750 Cypriot professionals living abroad have registered on the government’s Minds in Cyprus platform, while employers have posted more than 400 specialised vacancies, officials said at the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots. Launched to strengthen links between the diaspora and the domestic economy, the platform has evolved from a policy initiative into a recruitment tool in just over a year. Irene Georgalla, head of the Office of the Deputy Minister to the President, said more than 300 enquiries, proposals and suggestions have also been submitted through the platform, highlighting continued interest from Cypriots living overseas.

Connecting Global Talent With Cyprus

President Nikos Christodoulides announced the initiative in London in May 2025, and it is being implemented by the relevant ministries in cooperation with Invest Cyprus and Keve under the coordination of the Presidency. According to Georgalla, the aim is to reconnect the experience, expertise and business networks of Cypriots abroad with a development model centred on innovation and high-value economic activity.

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“Attracting and reconnecting talent requires consistency, continuity and, above all, national credibility,” she said. Competition for skilled professionals has intensified amid geopolitical uncertainty and rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

“Talent does not follow economic growth alone, but also trust, stable rules and a clear sense of direction,” Georgalla said. She added that information technology, communications and the digital economy account for around 14% of Cyprus’ GDP, while the country is home to 12 universities and more than 15 research institutes and centres of excellence.

Strengthening Links With The Diaspora

Interest in the initiative was also reflected at a career event held in London in May 2026, which attracted hundreds of Cypriot professionals working in the United Kingdom and brought together more than 20 Cypriot companies and organisations.

Georgalla said the programme is intended to support both professionals considering a return to Cyprus and those who want to contribute from abroad through business, research and professional networks. Tax incentives also back it for returning professionals as part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the country’s international competitiveness.

“Our invitation to the diaspora is based not only on emotion or ties with the homeland, but also on genuine and credible professional prospects,” she said. “We do not regard you simply as participants, but as genuine partners. A country’s credibility in the international environment is built to a great extent through its people.”

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Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

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.

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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.