With the September 2015 unemployment figures showing the first real drop since March 2013, recruitment experts say that interest is growing in all areas, albeit slowly in some, but the forex trading and financial services sectors seemingly driving the new momentum.

The Industrial Turnover Index for July 2015 reached 88,1 units (base 2010=100), recording a decrease of 3,6% compared to July 2014.

The Bank of Cyprus reduced in September 2015 its dependence on the Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) by €500m from €4.9b in August, according to figures released recently by the Central Bank of Cyprus.

Finance Minister Haris Georgiades has described the 2016 state budget and the medium-term plan 2016-18 as balanced, without new taxes and with targeted increase in development expenditure.

Wargaming has sold almost 50 million of its shares in Hellenic Bank to an unspecified buyer.

Chinese businessmen who met with Cypriot officials and businessmen during President Nicos Anastasiades' visit to China have shown an interest in participating in the process of privatisation of state owned operations and in investing in tourism and estates, an official said recently.

Cyprus will not need to request any additional financial aid from its international lenders when its bailout program runs out in March 2016, Finance Minister Harris Georgiades said recently.

Cyprus general government generated €11.6m budget surplus or 0.07% of GDP for the period of January-August 2015, compared to a €151.2m in the corresponding period of 2014, due to reduced government revenue.

ENI’s vision for a gas hub in the eastern Mediterranean includes Cyprus, Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis said recently.

A countdown for a return to the markets to raise millions has begun with presentations to investors by Cyprus international consultants in London.