The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) has backed international efforts to forge a common approach to shipping decarbonisation ahead of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) MEPC 84 session, warning that a fragmented regulatory landscape would raise costs and deepen uncertainty for the industry.

In a statement, the chamber welcomed a joint position put forward by seven international maritime organisations, describing the upcoming session as a key opportunity for IMO member states to narrow differences and intensify dialogue on measures to cut emissions without undermining the resilience of global trade. 

The chamber said a coordinated approach under the IMO remained essential for the stability and clarity the industry needs, while also giving companies the regulatory certainty required to invest in sustainable alternative marine fuels. 

At the same time, it said any new measures must be practical and effective if the sector is to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals, while safeguarding a just transition and preserving a level playing field across the industry.

The Cyprus Information Technology Enterprises Association (CITEA) recently met with India’s High Commissioner to Cyprus Shri Manish to discuss areas of mutual interest.

According to an announcement from the association, the focus of the meeting fell on how to deepen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of technology and innovation.

A key part of the discussion was a business mission to India scheduled for May, in which CITEA president George Malekkos is due to take part. The visit is aimed at strengthening business ties, exploring new opportunities for the association’s members and, at the same time, promoting Cyprus as an emerging technology hub in the region. 

The talks also touched on the long-standing shortage of specialised human capital facing companies in the technology sector.  

The erosion of international rules now poses a bigger threat to shipping than decarbonisation itself, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) secretary-general Thomas Kazakos said in Singapore, as industry leaders warned that geopolitical tensions are making the sector more politicised and less secure.

Speaking at the Capital Link conference during Singapore Maritime Week, Kazakos said “the real thing is the erosion of the international regulatory framework”, describing the rise of shadow fleets as “a very good example of what this problem creates”.

His warning came as executives across the event pointed to a more unstable operating environment for shipping, with conflict, power politics and pressure on major trade routes all moving back to the centre of the industry’s concerns.

At the opening panel of the conference, held against the backdrop of the US firing on and storming an Iranian container ship, Gaby Bornheim, president of the German Shipowners’ Association, said the industry was living through “a nightmare of geopolitical crisis”.

Maritime technology provider Tototheo Global on Tuesday announced its expansion into Singapore, strengthening its presence in a leading global maritime and technology hub as part of its broader international growth strategy.

The company said the move reinforces its international footprint while deepening its engagement in a market widely recognised for its role in global shipping, trade and advanced technology services.

The expansion reflects growing demand for advanced connectivity, digital infrastructure and operational resilience, areas in which the company is actively investing to support clients across multiple sectors.

With Singapore positioned at the centre of regional decision-making in Asia, the company explained that the new presence allows it to enhance proximity to customers and partners, improving responsiveness and strengthening market insight.

Cyprus tourism stakeholders struck a slightly more upbeat note this week after an expanded meeting at the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, saying recent weeks had brought more encouraging signals even as the sector continued to grapple with weaker demand.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis, focused on the current state of the tourism sector and the next steps needed in the short term, according to a press release from the ministry.

Representatives from the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), the Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev), Cyprus Hotel Association (Pasyxe), the Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises (Stek), Association of Cyprus Travel & Tourism Agents (ACTTA), Cyprus Hotel Managers Association (Pasydixe) and Hermes Airports took part. 

Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has issued a reminder of two new calls for proposals from the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), aimed at strengthening industrial application of technology and enterprise-based research in Cyprus.

The newly launched programmes include “Proof of Concept” for the industrial application of technology and know-how and “Research in Enterprises” focused on business-led innovation and development.

The Proof of Concept programme supports the preliminary exploration of potential industrial applications of technology or expertise, while the Research in Enterprises programme focuses on the creation of new products, services and production methods or the substantial improvement of existing ones by Cypriot companies.

The Paphos regional board of tourism (Etap) has outlined its ongoing efforts to promote the district as a domestic holiday destination, following its participation in the “Taxidi” travel fair 2026 in Nicosia.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic tourism in Cyprus and position the district as an all-year-round destination combining nature, culture and authenticity.

The organisation confirmed that its domestic tourism promotion campaign continues dynamically throughout the summer, primarily through social media platforms, following the successful nationwide Easter holiday campaign.

The participation in the exhibition was described as a key step in highlighting Paphos as an ideal destination for short getaways across all seasons, targeting residents seeking local travel options.

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) on Tuesday reported that ship management revenues exceeded €1 billion in the second half of 2025, marking a 2.3 per cent increase compared with the first half of 2025, according to a survey conducted by the bank’s statistics department.

The findings show that the level of revenues remained significantly higher than the average recorded during the 2019 to 2021 period, which had been shaped by pandemic-related disruptions, temporary state support measures and elevated crew management costs.

At the same time, ship management expenses reached €897 million, registering a marginal increase of 0.2 per cent compared with the first half of 2025.

The survey indicated that Germany remained the main trading partner, accounting for a 28 per cent share of sector revenues.

Investment broker Eurobank Equities has said that the Greek banking sector, which includes financial institutions also operating in Cyprus, continues to be undervalued by the market, maintaining a “buy” recommendation for all banks and pointing to further upside potential.

The brokerage also announced higher target prices for Greek banks, setting them at 4.50 euros for Alpha Bank, 17.45 euros for National Bank of Greece, 10.30 euros for Piraeus Bank, 11.20 euros for Optima Bank and 11.10 euros for the Bank of Cyprus, reflecting upgraded profitability forecasts.

In terms of stock selection, Piraeus Bank emerges as the most attractive option, driven by a combination of low valuation and strong earnings growth.

At the same time, the Bank of Cyprus stands out for its high distribution profile and resilience in adverse scenarios, reinforcing its investment appeal.

Cyprus continues to outperform the European Union average in youth employment, with Eurostat figures for 2025 highlighting the island’s resilience amid a broader shift toward self-employment across the bloc.

The figures were published ahead of World Creativity and Innovation Day on April 21, which aims to underline the role of innovation and creativity in economic and social development.

According to the latest report from the EU’s statistical office, young people across Europe are increasingly turning to self-employment, driven by a combination of creativity, innovation and economic necessity as workplaces evolve rapidly.

In 2025, 2.06 million people aged 20 to 29 in the European Union were self-employed, accounting for 7.9 per cent of all self-employed individuals aged 20 to 64.

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has announced a two-day training programme for building managers, aimed at strengthening leadership and organisational skills.

The programme, titled “Building Managers 360 degrees – comprehensive managerial skills”, will take place on May 20 and May 21, 2026.

The sessions will be held at the Keve building in Nicosia, with daily teaching hours scheduled from 08.30 to 16.45.

The course will be conducted in Greek and led by programme instructor Andri Penta, who will guide participants through a wide range of management topics.

Cyprus’ state aid commissioner Stella Michaelidou has confirmed the modification of a training support scheme, following a decision from earlier this month.

The decision, originally issued on April 9, was taken in response to a request submitted to the authority on March 18, 2026, leading to targeted changes in the measure titled “Single-company training programmes in Cyprus (state aid)”.

The Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (Anad) remains the competent authority responsible for implementing the scheme, overseeing its application and execution.

Under the revised framework, beneficiaries have been expanded to include self-employed individuals, in addition to businesses, within the areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus.

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC) on Tuesday announced that its corporate social responsibility committee carried out a tree planting initiative at the linear park of Lakatamia, in collaboration with the municipality of Lakatamia and with the support of VerboErgo.

According to the announcement, the initiative forms part of Selk’s broader sustainability actions, aiming to enhance urban greenery and promote environmental awareness among the public.

It added that a total of 47 saplings were planted during the activity, contributing directly to the improvement of the area’s natural environment.

The Bank of Cyprus on Tuesday announced the publication of its Pillar 3 disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2025, offering a snapshot of its risk profile, financial performance and strategic direction.

The document provides a high-level overview of the group’s risk appetite and business model, outlining how it balances growth with regulatory compliance and financial stability.

The group confirmed that financial performance remained strong in 2025, reporting a return on tangible equity of 18.6 per cent and earnings per share of €1.10.

It also recorded robust growth in deposits and loans, which supported the resilience of its net interest income despite a lower interest rate environment.

Greek lender Eurobank S.A. has announced that it is set to unveil its financial results for the first quarter of 2026 on May 7, 2026, marking a key update for the investment community on the bank’s early-year performance.

The announcement of the first quarter results will be followed by a scheduled conference call on the same day at 18:00 (Eastern European Summer Time).

This session will provide a platform for the presentation and discussion of the results, allowing executives to elaborate on the group’s financial trajectory and strategic goals.

The upcoming reporting follows a period of active capital management and expansion for the institution.

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) on Tuesday announced the listing of unsecured bonds issued by Rehub Plc on the regulated market’s corporate bonds segment, with trading set to begin on April 22, 2026.

The listing concerns Series 1 and Series 2 bonds, which have already been registered in the central securities depository of the Cyprus Stock Exchange prior to their admission to trading.

The bonds were introduced through a private placement method, targeting professional investors and eligible counterparties.

Series 1 bonds, maturing in 2028, carry an interest rate of 7 per cent, with 1,370 listed securities, each having a nominal value of €1,000 and an issue price of €1,000, under ISIN code CY0240712212 and trading code REHUBS1.