Cyprus is preparing for another bond issue before the end of 2015, government spokesperson Nikos Christodoulides confirmed recently.

In a recent survey, global immigration experts ranked Cyprus in the world’s top ten among citizenship by investment programmes for high-net worth individuals.

“Cyprus has stood on its own feet again and has regained its international credibility,” said Finance Minister Harris Georgiades recently.

The Cypriot economy will face important challenges even after the country’s exit from the bailout programme, Mark Lewis, the outgoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission chief for Cyprus, said recently.

Air travellers in Cyprus can soon expect a wider choice of operators according to the Transport Minister Marios Demetriades.

French investors are interested in energy, tourism and shipping, and their interest could extend to the casino and the Pentakomo technological park, Commerce Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis said recently.

The process of exporting goods to Cyprus is similar to that followed in other European countries. Cyprus applies EU customs procedures to all imported goods, and while these are relatively liberal, some products (for example certain foodstuffs) may still require import licenses or an official permission from the relevant authorities.

Already a popular tourist destination and one of Europe’s top spots for expats, Cyprus is launching new incentives and investment opportunities to open more avenues to welcome Chinese business.

Tax reforms and the introduction of a new concept of domicile are set to enhance Cyprus’ offering and attract more high-net-worth individuals and top-level professionals such as fund managers and investment analysts to relocate to Cyprus, says Kikis Treppides.

Interest ratesin the Cyprus banking system rose in August 2015 despite the decline in deposit rates.