A tender has been issued for the appointment of an independent consultant to prepare a study concerning all possible outcomes on the future of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), Privatisations commissioner Constantinos Herodotou said in an announcement recently.

The Central Bank Board of Directors will announce measures aiming at reducing lending rates, CBC Governor Chrystalla Georghadji recently told the Board of the Employers and Industrialists Federation.

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.