The government is facing almost €2 billion in maturing debt this year, which excludes a €1.1 billion security, part of the debt issued to recapitalise Cyprus Popular Bank in 2012, the public debt management office said recently.

A total of 18 major development projects have been presented to around 40 internationally renowned investors during the Cyprus Investors summit.

The last year has seen a significant renewal of relations between Cyprus and Iran, with the exchange of new ambassadors and several trips by high-profile delegates.

Cyprus remains fully committed to the implementation of the adjustment programme with international lenders, Central Bank Governor Chrystalla Georghadji said recently.

Finance Minister Harris Georgiades said recently that things in the Cypriot economy “have improved significantly” following the banking crisis two years ago.

Cyprus will work to prevent Greece’s exclusion from international markets and financial assistance programmes, Finance Minister Harris Georgiades said ahead of Wednesday’s critical eurogroup meeting.

Cyprus maintains a strong position as an attractive investment destination due to its many competitive advantages, including its strategic location, says President of Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency Christodoulos Agastiniotis.

Lawmakers want to include banks in a law banning usury and profiteering but the Central Bank said Cyprus must first ask the EU.

President Nicos Anastasiades has said the economy of Cyprus is on the road towards full recovery, whilst addressing the Cyprus Investors Summit in Limassol.

Hellenic Bank, resting on its high liquidity, aims to grow its loan portfolio in the medium term and explore ways to invest its liquid assets, the bank's Chief Executive Officer Bert Pijls has said, noting that the bank aspires to more than double its new lending in 2015 compared with the previous year.