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Cyprus Business Now: Fitch report, cooperative bank plan, hotel association

Cyprus Business Now: Fitch report, cooperative bank plan, hotel association

Fitch Ratings projects limited fiscal improvement across European countries, citing uneven adjustments in debt reduction and growth trajectories.

However, the agency mentioned that Cyprus continues to stand out with a positive outlook.

Commenting on the report, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said that this “is an irrefutable vote of confidence in the Cypriot economy, the government’s policies, and the collective efforts of the state and society, which are delivering tangible results”.

Letymbiotis also referenced the recent upgrade by Moody’s, which lifted Cyprus’ credit rating to ‘A3’, restoring the island to the ‘A’ grade for the first time since 2011.


Eurobank, already holding a majority stake in Hellenic Bank, is set to complete a full acquisition in a deal worth approximately €1.2 billion, making it one of the largest cash transactions in Cyprus’ corporate history.

The acquisition, which involves the legal and operational merger of the two banking entities, signals a new chapter in Cyprus’ financial sector.

Market analysts have praised the move, stating it reflects renewed confidence in the Cypriot banking system by institutional investors and regulatory authorities, which actively encouraged and approved the transaction.


The Pancyprian Cooperative Promotion Society unveiled its roadmap for establishing a new nationwide cooperative bank during a Monday evening event in Limassol, under the theme of ‘One for all and all for one’.

In the presence of Limassol MPs, the president of the Limassol district office (EOA), the Limassol mayor, and members of the public, Panikos Hambas, the president of the society, outlined plans for reviving the cooperative movement in Cyprus.

“Conditions are now ripe for the establishment of a new cooperative bank,” he said.


TechIsland has announced that payabl., a global fintech leader, has become a Donor Member of the association.

A longstanding supporter, payabl.’s Group CEO, Ugne Buraciene, has served on TechIsland’s Board since 2023. Headquartered in Limassol, payabl. champions Cyprus’ potential as a global business and tech hub.

As a European fintech pioneer, it offers diverse payment solutions and fosters growth in local and international tech sectors.

TechIsland’s General Manager, Tanya Romanyukha, praised payabl.’s expanded support, underscoring its alignment with the association’s vision for a tech-driven Cyprus.


The Cyprus Hotel Association (Pasyxe) on Tuesday announced the appointment of a new director general Christos Angelides to replace Philokypros Rousounides who had held the post for the past five years.

A Pasyxe announcement said Rousounides successful tenure had left “s strong legacy”.

Angelides will assume duties as of January 1, 2025.

The association said he has extensive experience in the hotel industry.


Cyprus showcased a range of traditional products at the 7th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, offering free samples of juices, wine, commandaria, zivania, and halloumi.

The event, held from November 5-10, 2024, served as an excellent opportunity to enhance Cyprus’ trade relations with China and other nations.

The Cypriot booth, managed by the Cypriot Trade Centre in Beijing on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry, welcomed a large number of visitors, including consumers, entrepreneurs, traders, and officials from China and beyond.


An agreement has been reached in principle for the sale of newspaper Politis to a businessman by the name of Chris Panayiotou, the newspaper announced on Tuesday.

It added that the sale would include “all the companies which make up the group”.

“Negotiations are in their final stages and official announcements will be made once they are completed,” it said.

Founded in 1999, Politis has the second-largest circulation of any Greek-language newspaper in Cyprus.


Ahead of Black Friday at the end of this week, the consumer protection service is cautioning consumers amid the barrage of announcement and advertisements from retailers offering massive discounts.

In an announcement, the service urges shoppers not to buy products simply because they’re on sale.
If there is a product or products they’re interested in, consumers should check the prices beforehand and then compare on the day.


The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) ended Tuesday, November 26 with profits.

The general Cyprus Stock Market Index stood at 211.67 points at 13:04, reflecting an increase of 2.65 per cent.

The FTSE / CySE 20 Index was at 128.94 points, reflecting a rise of 2.72 per cent.

The total value of transactions amounted to €1.87 million at the aforementioned time during trading.

In terms of the sub-indexes, the main and investment firm indexes rose by 3.8 per cent and 10.47 per cent respectively. The alternative index fell by 0.24 per cent while the hotel index remained unchanged.

The biggest investment interest was attracted by the Bank of Cyprus (+0.45 per cent), Hellenic Bank (+0.43 per cent), Logicom (+8.67 per cent), Demetra (+10.65 per cent), and Mitsides (no change).

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