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Minister Of Finance Urges Greek Businesses To Invest In Cyprus

Cypriot Minister of Finance, Mr. Makis Keravnos, addressed the “3 Business Presentations of Cyprus in Greece” event in Athens on January 29, 2025, where he highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties between Cyprus and Greece. He emphasized the long-standing historical and economic connections between the two nations and their resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges.

Mr. Keravnos pointed out Cyprus’ strategic position as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa, noting the dynamic growth of the Cypriot economy. He highlighted key sectors such as tourism, financial services, shipping, and technology as crucial to the country’s development. In his speech, the Minister noted that Cyprus achieved a growth rate of 3.7% in 2024, surpassing the EU average. Unemployment fell below 5%, and inflation dropped from 3.5% to 1.8%. Cyprus also recorded a primary surplus of 5%, which will contribute to reducing public debt below 60% of GDP by 2026.

The Minister called on Greek businesses to explore opportunities in Cyprus, underscoring the government’s commitment to attracting international companies and investment funds. He highlighted particular focus on sectors such as renewable energy, health, education, and the defense industry, which he described as a promising area for collaboration between Greek and Cypriot businesses.

Mr. Keravnos also discussed ongoing reforms, including strengthening the financial system through the Cyprus Equity Fund and the creation of the National Development Agency, as well as tax reforms aimed at fostering growth. He concluded by emphasizing Cyprus’ dedication to enhancing its international reputation, ensuring a stable business environment, and creating favorable conditions for investors.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

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