investment

Finance Ministry welcomes review results, reaffirms commitment to economic stability

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Finance Ministry welcomes review results, reaffirms commitment to economic stability

– The European Commission’s recent in-depth review highlighted that Cyprus’ economy is on a healthy trajectory, with GDP expected to grow and inflation to decrease.
– The moderation in GDP growth in 2023 was primarily attributed to weaker external demand for financial and business services influenced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
– The government is focused on implementing policies to correct imbalances and enhance the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy, with emphasis on green and digital transitions.
– The Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan includes significant reforms to reduce macroeconomic vulnerabilities and expand the productive base of the economy.
– Public and private debt have decreased and are expected to continue decreasing in the coming years.
– Non-performing loans in the banking sector have declined, and the possibility of new non-performing loans is viewed as remote.
– Cyprus’ integration with both EU and non-EU economies makes it vulnerable to risks from geopolitical and trade tensions.

European commission highlights Cyprus’s economic growth

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European commission highlights Cyprus’s economic growth

The European Commission’s report on the Cypriot economy highlights the observed economic growth, reduction in inflation, and ongoing correction of macroeconomic imbalances. The report identifies macroeconomic imbalances in public, private, and external debt, with improvements seen in the net international investment position and decreasing levels of public and private debt. The review also emphasizes Cyprus’ vulnerability to geopolitical developments due to its trade ties with European and third-country economies. The EC forecasts a growth rate of 2.4% for 2023, increasing to around 3% in 2024 and 2025, with a reduction in inflation and unemployment expected. The Ministry of Finance welcomes the results of the review, noting the government’s efforts to correct imbalances and strengthen the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy through policies focused on green and digital transition. The Cypriot Recovery and Resilience Plan includes reforms aimed at reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring macroeconomic stability and public finance sustainability.

Energy minister in Israel to discuss interconnector

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Energy minister in Israel to discuss interconnector

Energy Minister George Papanastasiou traveled to Israel to meet with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen to discuss the planned electrical interconnector connecting Cyprus, Greece, and Israel. Cyprus has confirmed its intention to participate in the project by investing up to €100 million. Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator has urged Cyprus to pay its €100 million share in the interconnector.

Unveiling Cyprus, ’s wine industry: Challenges and solutions

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Unveiling Cyprus, ’s wine industry: Challenges and solutions

Cyprus has a long history in the wine industry, with local vineyards producing a wide range of wines. However, the industry faces challenges such as small market size, economic volatility, climate change, regulatory compliance, and distribution issues. Online wine stores offer opportunities for wineries to reach a wider customer base, reduce dependency on traditional distribution networks, increase profit margins, and gather data-driven insights into consumer behavior. Online sales also provide a steady income during non-peak periods and help wineries establish a stronger presence in the global wine market.

Corporate Tax Planning for Businesses in Vietnam in 2024

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Corporate Tax Planning for Businesses in Vietnam in 2024

The latest publication from Vietnam Briefing, supported by Dezan Shira & Associates, is Corporate Tax Planning for Businesses in Vietnam in 2024. It discusses Vietnam’s corporate tax structure for 2024, key changes, incentives available for businesses, and the new top-up tax framework. Vietnam has a well-structured tax and accounting compliance framework and offers tax incentives to stimulate economic growth. The standard Corporate Income Tax rate in Vietnam is 20 percent, but there are tax breaks available for specific sectors and regions. Vietnam will implement a top-up corporate tax from 2024 to comply with the OECD’s global anti-base erosion Model Rules.

“C’mon Man! Tax the Rich!” Business Owners Face Tax Increases* | JD Supra

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“C’mon Man! Tax the Rich!” Business Owners Face Tax Increases* | JD Supra

Sen. Warren reintroduced her “Ultra-Millionaires” wealth tax proposal to the Senate, inspired by the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget which includes its own version of a wealth tax. The tax proposals are part of the upcoming contest for the White House and focus on tax avoidance by the wealthy. Business owners should familiarize themselves with the proposed changes to federal income tax and develop plans in response as there is a possibility that the Democrats may have another opportunity to turn their income tax agenda into law.

Egypt, ’s natgas woes continue

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Egypt, ’s natgas woes continue

Egypt is unlikely to export any LNG to Europe this summer due to declining production at the Zohr field, which is prioritizing domestic energy needs.

U.S., Cyprus boost ties to crack down on money laundering

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U.S., Cyprus boost ties to crack down on money laundering

Cyprus and the US embassy in Nicosia are collaborating to combat money laundering and financial fraud. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are working with Cypriot authorities to identify and prosecute financial crimes. The FBI and Cyprus police will sign a memorandum of understanding to formalize their cooperation. Additionally, a Cyprus-based company, Tokentrust Holdings, faced sanctions from the US for its connections to Russia’s financial sector.

Larnaca is becoming an emerging investment hub

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Larnaca is becoming an emerging investment hub

Limassol is losing its position as Cyprus’ top investment hub to Larnaca, according to the ‘Cyprus Real Estate Market Report for the 2nd Semester 2023’ by Danos & Associates. Commercial properties in Cyprus are increasingly being used for professional purposes and workspaces, with potential disadvantages such as damages and malfunctioning spaces. However, the value of commercial properties tends to increase at a faster rate than residential properties. Demand for office spaces in Limassol has increased, with the average office value rising by 42% from 2015 to 2019. The real estate sector contributes significantly to the Cypriot economy, with a total of 5,974 transactions amounting to €1.52 billion in property sales in the second quarter of 2023. Nicosia and Famagusta provinces saw an increase in property value, while Limassol experienced a significant decrease. The abolition of the citizenship by investment program did not affect the real estate market in Cyprus, which continues to grow due to strong domestic demand and returning foreign investors.