Co-op banks recorded a €109.5 million nine-month net profit in 2014, the Cooperative Central Bank (CCB) said recently, as it pledged to continue to support Cypriot households and small businesses.

Revenue from tourism decreased 23% to €273.4 million in September 2014 compared with the respective month a year ago, the statistical service said recently.

Preliminary interest in the licensing of the island’s first casino-resort has been immense, particularly from foreign investors from the US and Asia, according torecent media reports.

The Hellenic Bank believes that Cyprus' economy could return to positive growth in 2015, under the appropriate conditions and with the right moves and initiatives.

Business and consumer confidence rose in November 2014 by 3.11 points compared to the month before and reached its highest level since the fourth quarter of 2008, the University of Cyprus said.

Cyprus must make the most of its mild winter climate during winter by enhancing niche sectors of tourism, a survey conducted by PwC released recently said.

The discovery of hydrocarbon reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean can and should work as a tool for peace, stability, and cooperation in the region, Cyprus and Lebanon said recently.

Internet access for households in Cyprus continued to rise in 2014 reaching 68.6% compared to 64.7% in 2013, a survey issued by the Statistical Service reports.

Bank of Cyprus posted a €76 million profit in the first nine months of the year saying its deposits were starting to stabilize while the quality of its loan portfolio remained challenging with rising non-performing loans.

Cyprus may start selling natural gas to Egypt by 2018 if the two countries reach an agreement to link gas from the Aphrodite field operated by Noble Energy to Egypt’s liquefactions plant.