2026 will be a year of transition and growth for the Cypriot economy, laying the foundations for a more prosperous and sustainable future for Cyprus, both regionally and globally.

The expansion of the ICT sector, the relocation of tech companies to Cyprus, and the build-out of digital infrastructure are changing the profile of the economy and creating high-skilled employment.

Cyprus is shaping its identity as a regional technology hub. Its National AI Strategy drives the adoption of artificial intelligence across key sectors, while the fintech landscape has expanded significantly with international players setting up operations on the island.

TechIsland Chairperson Valentinos Polykarpou, explores the island’s pivotal moment of transformation as its fast-expanding tech and innovation ecosystem pushes it toward becoming a true destination economy built on talent, digital capacity, and global ambition.

Cyprus and Qatar are entering a new phase of strategic economic partnership, driven by long-horizon investment and a shared vision for innovation, energy transition, and institutional cooperation, says Stefanos Nicolaou.

Cyprus is proactively positioning itself to attract Qatari investments by highlighting its strategic EU location, favourable business environment, and opportunities in key sectors like energy, tourism, and financial services.

Cyprus and Qatar are entering a period of accelerated cooperation, with high-level diplomacy, expanding trade ties, and new partnerships in energy, technology, and education reshaping the trajectory of their bilateral relationship, says Andreas Nikolaides.

The relationship between Cyprus and Qatar has significantly evolved in recent years and we are keen to identify and develop further economic opportunities between our respective business sectors.

The Cyprus shipping sector plays a vital role in strengthening the country’s global competitiveness, while it constitutes an attractive gateway for international investors.

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber views the current strength of the maritime sector with confidence and optimism. Cyprus today holds a prominent position internationally, maintaining a leading shipmanagement centre and a leading merchant fleet both in Europe and worldwide.

The future of the financial services sector in Cyprus will depend not just on the rules we write or the technology we adopt, but on the values we uphold and the talent we nurture, says Kyriakos Iordanou

As global shipping faces increased pressures, Cyprus is reinforcing its status as a leading maritime hub by integrating smart technologies, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting sustainable shipping solutions, says Marina Hadjimanolis.

Digital assets are no longer a niche, but a part of modern finance attracting a growing number of investors – and there is immense potential for Cyprus to become a leading cryptocurrency hub. By fostering a more inclusive regulatory ecosystem, Cyprus can diversify its financial services sector and position itself at the forefront of digital finance, says Georg Bühler, Managing Director of Mount Pelion Capital.

How has Cyprus positioned itself to attract Chinese investment, and what key sectors or opportunities are you focusing on to further strengthen investment ties between the two countries?

What are your expectations for the economic sectors in your Ministry’s portfolio for 2025?

Cyprus’ business and investment environment has many strengths, but these features are not well known in Japan. Although some Japanese companies are doing successful business in Cyprus’ financial and shipping sectors, there is much room for better promotion of these comparative advantages to deepen relations between the two countries in the future, says Yoshio Yamawaki. 

How has Cyprus positioned itself to attract investment from Japan, and what key sectors or opportunities are you focusing on to further strengthen investment ties between the two countries?

How would you describe the current state of Cyprus-China relations, and in what areas do you see the most significant diplomatic advancements in the coming years?

Cyprus provides Japanese businesses with a distinct set of opportunities, leveraging its strategic position as an EU member state and a bridge between three continents. By leveraging Cyprus’ favourable business environment, we aim to increase our collaboration with Japan in sectors such as energy, finance, technology and shipping, says Yiannis Michaelides.

How has the relationship between Cyprus and Japan evolved over the years, and what are the key areas where you see the most potential for enhanced cooperation and partnership moving forward?