With digital transformation key to fostering sustainable economic growth by providing effective and efficient services to the public and businesses, Britain has agreed to help Cyprus strengthen its performance in this field.

Cyprus shipping has proved resilient in the pandemic with the industry aiming to grow at pace in the future harnessed by technology and sustainability, Deputy Minister for shipping Vassilis Demetriades said.

Cyprus can expect the first deliveries of Covid-19 vaccines before the end of the month if everything goes according to schedule and pharmaceutical companies receive their approvals, members of the government’s advisory committee said on Wednesday.

Preventive dental care, out-patients treatment for mental health, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and visits to clinical dieticians are among the new services under the island’s General Health Scheme (Gesy) as of Tuesday.

The department of inland revenue has extended the deadline for employees to file their tax returns for 2019 to December 15.

The government on Friday extended strict measures applied in Limassol and Paphos across the island, with certain changes, starting on Monday, November 30 at 1am until December 13.

Non- Performing Loans (NPLs) in the Cyprus banking system dropped by €132 million continuing their downward trajectory, assisted by disposals as well as the debt repayment moratorium in place since March until end-December, as part of the measures to tackle the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Capital Intelligence Ratings has affirmed the long-term foreign currency rating (LT FCR) and short-term foreign currency rating (ST FCR) of Hellenic Bank at ‘BB-’ and ‘B’, respectively, as well as a ‘stable’ outlook, based on its funding and liquidity strengths.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will end its engagement in Cyprus at the end of 2020 after completing a six-year mandate in which it invested about €600 million.

Q3 2020 bucked the traditionally slow IPO period as travel slowed, work from home and the markets were awash in liquidity resulting in the most active third quarter in the last 20 years by proceeds, and the second highest third quarter by deal numbers. Globally, YTD IPO activity accelerated, resulting in a 14% increase in total IPOs to 872, and an impressive 43% rise in proceeds of US$165.3b.