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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.

Foreign Firms Contribute €3.5 Billion To Cyprus Economy In 2023

Recent Eurostat data reveals that Cyprus remains an outlier within the European Union, where foreign-controlled companies contribute minimally to the nation’s employment figures and economic output. While these enterprises have a substantial impact in other member states, in Cyprus they account for only 10 percent of all jobs, a figure comparable only to Italy and marginally higher than Greece’s 8 percent.

Employment Impact

The report highlights that foreign-controlled companies in Cyprus employ 32,119 individuals out of a total workforce that, across the EU, reaches 24,145,727. In contrast, countries such as Luxembourg boast a 45 percent job share in foreign-controlled firms, with Slovakia and the Czech Republic following closely at 28 percent.

Economic Output Analysis

In terms of economic contribution, these enterprises generated a total value added of €3.5 billion in Cyprus, a small fraction compared to the overall EU total of €2.39 trillion. Notably, Ireland leads with 71 percent of its value added stemming from foreign-controlled firms, followed by Luxembourg at 61 percent and Slovakia at 50 percent. On the lower end, France, Italy, Greece, and Germany exhibit values below 20 percent.

Domestic Versus Foreign Ownership

The data underscores Cyprus’s heavy reliance on domestically controlled enterprises for both employment and economic output. However, it is important to note that certain businesses might be owned by foreign nationals who have established companies under Cypriot jurisdiction. As a result, these firms are classified as domestically controlled despite having foreign ownership or management components.

Conclusion

This analysis emphasizes the unique role that foreign-controlled enterprises play within the Cypriot economy. While their overall impact is limited compared to some EU counterparts, the presence of these companies continues to contribute significantly to the island’s economic landscape.

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