cyprus business — Cyprus business developments are making headlines as the nation takes on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, effective January 1, 2026. The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has expressed its support for this significant role, highlighting the opportunities it presents amidst various economic and geopolitical challenges faced by Europe.
Keve congratulated the Cypriot government and state, stating, “This Presidency constitutes an important national responsibility but also a substantial opportunity for Cyprus to actively contribute to shaping European policies.” The chamber emphasised the importance of this role at a time when the European economy is undergoing major transformations.
In other economic news, the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) reported a rise in bank deposits and loans for November 2025. Total loans saw a net increase of €71.5 million, primarily driven by household borrowing, showcasing sustained consumer demand. Total deposits also increased by €330.8 million, although this was a decrease compared to the previous month’s gains.
Employers are encouraged to engage with a new initiative aimed at bridging education and the labour market. With a deadline of January 16, 2026, companies are invited to host students from the second grade of lyceum for job shadowing experiences during the 2025–2026 school year. The programme, part of the Ministry of Education’s efforts, aims to strengthen student-centred educational policies.
Meanwhile, Cyprus’ Index of Industrial Output Prices showed stability year on year in November 2025, with the index holding at 122.1 units. The mining and quarrying prices remained unchanged compared to the previous month, while a slight decrease was observed compared to the same period in 2024.
The retail sector has experienced robust growth, with the Turnover Value Index rising by 4.6% compared to November 2024. The strong performance in retail, particularly in food, beverages, and tobacco categories, indicates a healthy consumer demand, with increases in both value and volume indexes.
Cyprus has emerged as a leading hub for firms providing cross-border investment services to retail clients, according to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). The analysis revealed that 370 firms provided services to approximately 10.5 million retail clients across the EU and EEA during 2024, underlining Cyprus’ significant role in the investment landscape.
The Cyprus Human Resources Development Authority (Anad) anticipates that over 100,000 individuals will participate in multi-company training programmes launched in 2026. The programmes aim to enhance workforce skills, focusing on areas such as business management, new technologies, and digital skills, ensuring that training is comprehensive and relevant to the evolving job market.
As of January 1, 2026, Cyprus has also implemented a revamped tax framework following parliamentary approval of the government’s tax reform package. This significant change includes an increase in corporate income tax from 12.5% to 15%, aiming to bolster the economy and maintain the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors.
Finally, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry is set to host an educational seminar titled “From Salesperson to Sales Consultant: Creating Added Value for Every Customer” on February 3, 2026. This seminar aims to equip professionals with essential skills to navigate the evolving sales landscape, emphasising the changing dynamics of how sales are conducted.
