The economic slowdown as a result of the pandemic is smaller than initially anticipated raising hopes of brighter days ahead, Sek trade union confederation general secretary said on Thursday.

A total of 94 development projects costing €123 million have been carried out in Paphos in the last eight years, with another 46 worth €217 million underway, Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis said on Thursday during a tour of the district.

The Shipping Deputy Ministry announced on Thursday the inclusion of Cyprus in the Seabourn Cruise Line`s programme, which is a member of the Carnival Cruise Line.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, house prices, as measured by the House Price Index, rose by 5.4% in the eurozone, 5.7% across the EU and 2.4% in Cyprus, compared with the same quarter 2019.

The local population of the endangered Mediterranean Monk (monachus monachus) seal has seen a significant increase as a result of the protection measures being implemented over the past years, Environment Minister Costas Kadis said Thursday.

The government on Thursday moved to draw up a stricter protocol for handling coronavirus cases detected among school staff and students, after several chains of infection made the recent return of children to classrooms a growing headache.

Pursuant to the provisions of Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations, the Minister of Interior has decided to revise the current permanent residency programme (the “Programme”) to include additional investment criteria other than investment in real estate with the purpose of attracting foreign investors and their families to invest in Cyprus.

The film industry constitutes a complex and ever-flourishing sector in the global economy. The industry’s operation occupies multifaceted stages, engages a selection of distinct stakeholders and experts and presents plenty opportunities for all parties who choose to get involved. Committed to boosting this highly promising sector, the government of the Republic of Cyprus introduced a package of incentives, encouraging international producers to choose Cyprus as their next film destination.

Across the West, the mantra voiced by policymakers is ‘build back better’. Covid has taken its toll on all our industries, services and markets, and efforts to stimulate recovery are now under way. Eco-friendly initiatives are seen as central to a revival of fortunes. And Cyprus is fast-tracking a transition to a green economy – not only to restore the country to financial health in the wake of the pandemic but also to embrace important new investment opportunities to diversify our economy.

Invest Cyprus expresses its satisfaction at the strong momentum of Cyprus’ investment funds industry, even in the particularly adverse conditions brought on by the pandemic. According to the latest available data published by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, the number of investment funds increased to 283 in the fourth quarter of 2020, while there was also an increase in the assets under their management, which totaled €8.58b.