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President Christodoulides Engages With Cypriot Entrepreneurs In A Dialogue

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 1, 2024

In a significant move to foster economic collaboration and growth, President Nikos Christodoulides recently held a critical meeting with prominent Cypriot entrepreneurs. This engagement underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening the business environment and promoting innovation as Cyprus navigates its post-pandemic economic recovery.

The meeting served as a platform for a candid exchange of ideas and concerns between the government and the private sector. President Christodoulides emphasised the crucial role of entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and highlighted the government’s dedication to creating a conducive environment for business operations and investments.

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Key topics discussed included the current economic climate, challenges faced by businesses, and potential avenues for growth. The dialogue focused on several strategic areas: enhancing digital infrastructure, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Enhancing Digital Infrastructure

One of the primary focal points of the discussion was the need to enhance Cyprus’s digital infrastructure. President Christodoulides acknowledged that robust digital systems are fundamental to the modern economy, enabling businesses to operate efficiently and competitively. The government’s ongoing efforts to improve digital connectivity and cybersecurity were highlighted, with promises of continued investment in these areas to support business growth and attract foreign investments.

Supporting SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the Cypriot economy. During the meeting, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting SMEs through various initiatives. These include easier access to financing, streamlined regulatory processes, and targeted support programmes to help businesses scale and innovate. Entrepreneurs welcomed these measures, recognising their potential to alleviate some of the systemic challenges they face.

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Innovation was another critical theme of the discussion. President Christodoulides stressed the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Cyprus. The government aims to create an ecosystem that encourages startups and tech companies, recognising that these sectors are vital for future economic growth. Initiatives such as tax incentives for research and development, partnerships with academic institutions, and investment in tech incubators were discussed as means to drive this agenda forward.

Addressing Challenges

The entrepreneurs also highlighted several challenges that need addressing to ensure sustainable economic growth. Issues such as bureaucratic red tape, labour market inefficiencies, and the need for more comprehensive training programmes were brought to the fore. President Christodoulides assured the business community of the government’s responsiveness to these concerns, emphasising a collaborative approach to finding solutions.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.