Doing Business in Cyprus (Saudi edition)
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TheProfilerGroup<br />
DOING BUSINESS<br />
CYPRUS<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
2<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
TheProfilerGroup<br />
The Profiler Group is a specialist publisher of country <strong>in</strong>formation that assists<br />
corporations manag<strong>in</strong>g operations across national borders with trade, <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
and relocation decisions. The Profiler Group is recognised by senior bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
executives, government representatives, <strong>in</strong>stitutions and global organisations<br />
as a lead<strong>in</strong>g provider of <strong>in</strong>formative and <strong>in</strong>sightful country <strong>in</strong>telligence.<br />
Krist<strong>in</strong>a Ernst<br />
Director<br />
ernst@theprofilergroup.com<br />
Heidi Martt<strong>in</strong>en<br />
Editor<br />
martt<strong>in</strong>en@theprofilergroup.com<br />
Victoria Vasiliou<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Manager<br />
vasiliou@theprofilergroup.com<br />
EUROPE<br />
16, Elia Papakyriakou, Suite 101,<br />
Engomi, 2415 Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
cyprus@theprofilergroup.com<br />
www.theprofilergroup.com<br />
www.cyprusprofile.com<br />
NORTH AMERICA<br />
21-2123 Walkers L<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
Burl<strong>in</strong>gton Ontario, L7M 4Z9, Canada<br />
RESEARCH & CONTRIBUTIONS<br />
The Profiler Group staff<br />
PUBLICATION DATE<br />
September 2022<br />
The <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> this publication is<br />
for <strong>in</strong>formation purposes only and is subject<br />
to change. With regard to the licens<strong>in</strong>g of a<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess, <strong>in</strong>come generation or any other legal<br />
or account<strong>in</strong>g matters, the Publisher strongly<br />
recommends that the reader seeks the advice<br />
of an appropriately licensed professional.<br />
All rights reserved. Reproduction <strong>in</strong> whole or part<br />
is strictly prohibited without written permission.<br />
Op<strong>in</strong>ions expressed <strong>in</strong> this publication are not<br />
necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All<br />
reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and<br />
accuracy, but the editor and publishers cannot<br />
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articles, advertis<strong>in</strong>g, photographs or illustrations.<br />
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DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
4<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
Contents<br />
06<br />
10<br />
18<br />
22<br />
34<br />
36<br />
40<br />
46<br />
53<br />
56<br />
58<br />
64<br />
68<br />
73<br />
79<br />
CYPRUS AT A GLANCE<br />
Key Facts & Figures<br />
COUNTRY OVERVIEW<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>: Work-Life Balance<br />
INSIGHT<br />
M<strong>in</strong>ister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry Natasa Pilides<br />
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT<br />
Investment Gateway<br />
INSIGHT<br />
M<strong>in</strong>ister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides<br />
INTERVIEW<br />
Ambassador of the K<strong>in</strong>gdom of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia to the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Khaled Mohammed Alsharif<br />
INTERVIEW<br />
Ambassador of the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> to the K<strong>in</strong>gdom of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia<br />
Stavros Avgoustides<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Real Estate<br />
PROPERTY SHOWCASE<br />
Lead<strong>in</strong>g Developments <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
INSIGHT<br />
CEO of Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong> George Campanellas<br />
INCENTIVES<br />
New Government Action Plan<br />
INCENTIVES<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>-<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Association President Demos Anastassiou<br />
BUSINESS OPERATING ENVIRONMENT<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> operat<strong>in</strong>g environment guide <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g taxation, bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
costs, commercial and residential property, and salary survey<br />
TAXATION<br />
Tax and Regulatory Regime of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
WHO’S WHO IN CYPRUS<br />
The def<strong>in</strong>itive guide to <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ lead<strong>in</strong>g companies,<br />
executives, and professional advisors
There are new<br />
competitors with a<br />
fresh vision.<br />
Is your company agile enough<br />
to outpace them?<br />
Us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>novative tools, th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
frameworks, KPMG can help adapt your<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> the face of constant disruption.<br />
Learn more at kpmg.com.cy<br />
©2022 KPMG Limited, a <strong>Cyprus</strong> limited liability company and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of <strong>in</strong>dependent member firms affiliated with KPMG<br />
International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.<br />
The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the <strong>in</strong>dependent member firms of the KPMG global organization.
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
6<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> at a Glance<br />
Ly<strong>in</strong>g at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has long served as a<br />
major eastern trad<strong>in</strong>g post. It is a small country, but the third largest island <strong>in</strong><br />
the Mediterranean Sea and shares a maritime border with Egypt 300km to the<br />
south, Lebanon 108km to the east and Turkey 71km to the north, while ma<strong>in</strong>land<br />
Greece lies 800km to the north-west. With 10,000 years of history, the island’s<br />
strategic location has long made it a jewel <strong>in</strong> the crown of the powers of the day.<br />
PAPHOS<br />
(Pafos)<br />
101,900<br />
Paphos<br />
International<br />
Airport<br />
LIMASSOL<br />
(Lemesos)<br />
258,900<br />
NICOSIA<br />
(Lefkosia)<br />
351,600<br />
Larnaca<br />
International<br />
Airport<br />
LARNACA<br />
(Larnaka)<br />
154,200<br />
35ºN<br />
33ºE<br />
FAMAGUSTA<br />
(Ammochostos)<br />
51,500
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
7<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
CYPRUS<br />
DATA<br />
MEMBERSHIPS<br />
EU & Eurozone<br />
World Trade<br />
Organization<br />
United Nations<br />
Council of Europe<br />
Commonwealth<br />
World Bank & IMF<br />
RELIGION<br />
89.1%<br />
Greek Orthodox<br />
2.9% Roman Catholic<br />
2.0% Protestant/Anglican<br />
1.8% Muslim<br />
1.7% Unknown/Atheist<br />
1.0% Buddhist<br />
1.5% Other<br />
TOTAL POPULATION<br />
918,100<br />
Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
79%<br />
Cypriot<br />
21%<br />
Non-Cypriot<br />
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES<br />
Greek &<br />
Turkish<br />
(bus<strong>in</strong>ess generally<br />
conducted <strong>in</strong> English)<br />
TIME<br />
+2 Hours<br />
ahead of GMT<br />
SUNSHINE<br />
340 days<br />
of sunsh<strong>in</strong>e/year<br />
AREA & SIZE<br />
9,251 km 2<br />
(3,355 km 2 <strong>in</strong> the<br />
occupied area)<br />
POPULATION DENSITY<br />
132<br />
(persons per km 2 )<br />
MEDIAN AGE<br />
38<br />
CURRENCY<br />
Euro (€)<br />
RAINFALL<br />
503 mm<br />
average annual<br />
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE<br />
+13ºC<br />
W<strong>in</strong>ter<br />
+34ºC<br />
Summer<br />
MAIN MEDIA<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Mail<br />
Phileleftheros<br />
Politis<br />
CyBC
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
8<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
CYPRUS<br />
BUSINESS<br />
FIGURES<br />
TOTAL GDP<br />
€23.4<br />
billion<br />
(2021)<br />
GDP PER CAPITA<br />
€26,031<br />
(2021)<br />
12.3%<br />
Taxes & Subsidies<br />
5.4%<br />
Construction<br />
7.5%<br />
M<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, manufactur<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
electricity & water<br />
GDP<br />
BY SECTOR<br />
73.1%<br />
Services<br />
1.8%<br />
Agriculture,<br />
forestry & fish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
UNEMPLOYMENT<br />
7.5%<br />
(2021)<br />
GDP GROWTH<br />
5.5%<br />
(2021)<br />
INFLATION<br />
2.3%<br />
(2021)<br />
INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS<br />
Standard & Poor’s<br />
BBB<br />
CORPORATE<br />
TAX RATE<br />
12.5%<br />
TIME TO START<br />
UP A BUSINESS<br />
1.3 days<br />
ACCOUNTING<br />
STANDARD<br />
IFRS<br />
Fitch<br />
BBB- Moody’s<br />
Ba1<br />
(September 2022)<br />
MAIN TRADING PARTNERS<br />
UK<br />
Germany<br />
Italy<br />
France<br />
Israel<br />
Greece<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a<br />
CRIME<br />
0.9 per<br />
100 persons<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> is the safest<br />
country <strong>in</strong> the world for<br />
young people out of<br />
184 countries across<br />
the globe.
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DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
10<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
COUNTRY OVERVIEW<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>: Work-Life Balance<br />
Renowned s<strong>in</strong>ce antiquity, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has re<strong>in</strong>vented<br />
itself multiple times and is go<strong>in</strong>g through another<br />
excit<strong>in</strong>g transformation today. The island nation has<br />
big ambitions to diversify its economy by plac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>novation at its core, while it cont<strong>in</strong>ues to attract<br />
professional expats and foreign <strong>in</strong>vestors to its<br />
shores thanks to its relaxed lifestyle coupled with<br />
bourgeon<strong>in</strong>g prospects <strong>in</strong> multiple sectors.<br />
L<br />
ocated <strong>in</strong> the eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East<br />
and Africa, <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ strategic position has always played a key role <strong>in</strong> shap<strong>in</strong>g its<br />
10,000-year history and <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g the island <strong>in</strong>to a convenient centre for trade<br />
and <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Despite be<strong>in</strong>g a country of less than a million people,<br />
the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> has steadily built itself <strong>in</strong>to a thriv<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess centre over<br />
the decades. An EU and eurozone member for over a decade, and with one of the<br />
highest educated populations <strong>in</strong> Europe, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has built a strong service-based<br />
economy. Its low-cost bus<strong>in</strong>ess environment with a wealth of support services, a<br />
sophisticated ICT <strong>in</strong>frastructure and <strong>in</strong>vestor-friendly tax regime – backed up by an<br />
extensive network of double taxation agreements with 67 countries – has developed<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong>to an important European and regional f<strong>in</strong>ancial and bus<strong>in</strong>ess services<br />
hub. The country is also one of Europe’s favourite holiday dest<strong>in</strong>ations, enjoy<strong>in</strong>g<br />
340 days of glorious sunsh<strong>in</strong>e a year and boasts a beautiful coastl<strong>in</strong>e teem<strong>in</strong>g with
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
11<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
stretches of golden sand, secluded bays and rocky coves, all surrounded by some of<br />
the cleanest beaches and waters <strong>in</strong> the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape is dotted<br />
with the fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g rema<strong>in</strong>s of history, from Neolithic settlements and ancient cityk<strong>in</strong>gdoms<br />
to exquisite Byzant<strong>in</strong>e art and magnificent Venetian architecture. Add to<br />
this the vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle where East meets West, <strong>Cyprus</strong> offers the<br />
perfect balance between bus<strong>in</strong>ess and leisure.<br />
PEOPLE & CULTURE<br />
While the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> is a<br />
Greek-speak<strong>in</strong>g nation, English<br />
is almost universally spoken and is the<br />
language of <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
German, French and Russian speakers<br />
are also easily found, thanks to the high<br />
number of Cypriots with <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
degrees, the country’s commercial ties<br />
with the global bus<strong>in</strong>ess community,<br />
and the island’s popularity as a tourist<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation. <strong>Cyprus</strong> is well known for its<br />
hospitality, a fact reflected <strong>in</strong> the Greek<br />
word, xenos, used for both stranger and<br />
guest. Life is meant to be enjoyed <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>, which is renowned for its excellent quality of life. Cafe culture predom<strong>in</strong>ates,<br />
with both bus<strong>in</strong>ess and social meet<strong>in</strong>gs tak<strong>in</strong>g place over a leisurely frappe (iced<br />
coffee) <strong>in</strong> the numerous cafes <strong>in</strong> every town and city. As with most Mediterranean<br />
cultures, food also plays a vital role <strong>in</strong> family and social life. The famous <strong>Cyprus</strong> meze<br />
– a large selection of small, delectable dishes – is best enjoyed siga siga (slowly) and<br />
al fresco.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> has a resilient economy that<br />
has time and time aga<strong>in</strong> proven<br />
its capacity to adjust to cont<strong>in</strong>uously<br />
chang<strong>in</strong>g conditions and bounce<br />
back from external shocks. Before its<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependence from the UK <strong>in</strong> 1960, the<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> economy was primarily based on<br />
agriculture and the export of m<strong>in</strong>erals.<br />
However, <strong>in</strong> the last few decades the<br />
country has established itself as a serious<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess and service centre<br />
for shipp<strong>in</strong>g, f<strong>in</strong>ancial services and<br />
commerce, and is classified by the World<br />
Bank as a high-<strong>in</strong>come country. The<br />
island’s accession to the EU <strong>in</strong> 2004 with<br />
I<br />
Offer<strong>in</strong>g a tax-efficient<br />
EU company domicile, the<br />
country is also emerg<strong>in</strong>g as<br />
a compell<strong>in</strong>g dest<strong>in</strong>ation for<br />
regional headquarters and<br />
a base for tech companies,<br />
as well as an <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
attractive location for fund<br />
managers and promoters<br />
RESILIENT EU ECONOMY<br />
the subsequent adoption of the euro <strong>in</strong> 2008, was the catalyst for its transformation <strong>in</strong>to<br />
a competitive f<strong>in</strong>ancial and bus<strong>in</strong>ess services hub. Follow<strong>in</strong>g the country’s f<strong>in</strong>ancial
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
12<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
crisis <strong>in</strong> 2013, <strong>Cyprus</strong> undertook a major<br />
reform agenda and while still fac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
some economic challenges, the small<br />
EU nation has demonstrated resilience<br />
and an ability to bounce back to growth.<br />
The year 2015 signalled a sooner-thanexpected<br />
exit from recession and a rapid<br />
economic turnaround followed, with 2017<br />
record<strong>in</strong>g almost 4% growth – earn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> praise as an economic success<br />
story. <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ resilience <strong>in</strong> the face of the<br />
pandemic was once aga<strong>in</strong> evident with<br />
GDP growth reach<strong>in</strong>g a strong 5.5% <strong>in</strong><br />
2021, although the European Commission<br />
forecasts a downturn to 3.2% growth <strong>in</strong><br />
2022. Consistent credit rat<strong>in</strong>g upgrades<br />
have further boosted confidence and<br />
foreign direct <strong>in</strong>vestment has been<br />
flow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to all key sectors. <strong>Cyprus</strong> has<br />
reta<strong>in</strong>ed and strengthened its status as an<br />
attractive <strong>in</strong>vestment gateway to the EU<br />
and other high-growth markets, as well<br />
as a secure base to tap <strong>in</strong>to opportunities<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Middle East. Offer<strong>in</strong>g a tax-efficient<br />
EU company domicile, the country is also<br />
emerg<strong>in</strong>g as a compell<strong>in</strong>g dest<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
for regional headquarters and a base for<br />
tech companies, as well as an <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
attractive location for fund managers and<br />
promoters.<br />
GROWING INVESTMENT FUND SECTOR<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> has big ambitions <strong>in</strong> the<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment funds sector to establish<br />
itself as a contender <strong>in</strong> the global asset<br />
management <strong>in</strong>dustry. The steady growth<br />
<strong>in</strong> both Assets under Management and <strong>in</strong><br />
the number of fund structures licensed<br />
and active <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> have underl<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
the strength and appeal of the novice<br />
domicile. Assets under Management<br />
(AuM) have seen a formidable <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
from €2.7 billion <strong>in</strong> 2016 to €11.1 billion <strong>in</strong><br />
the first quarter of 2022, show<strong>in</strong>g that it is<br />
not the sector’s size but its fast growth that<br />
has impressed, and is be<strong>in</strong>g recognised<br />
by the global asset management and<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestor community. Investment funds<br />
CYPRUS FACTS<br />
& FIGURES<br />
EU Member s<strong>in</strong>ce 2004,<br />
Eurozone member s<strong>in</strong>ce 2008<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ maritime sector accounts<br />
for €1 billion <strong>in</strong> annual revenue and<br />
is around 7% of the island’s GDP<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> is an established<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess and service<br />
centre for shipp<strong>in</strong>g, f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
services and commerce, and is<br />
classified by the World Bank as<br />
a high-<strong>in</strong>come country<br />
Investment funds have already<br />
<strong>in</strong>vested more than €2 billion<br />
<strong>in</strong> several sectors of the Cypriot<br />
economy, such as shipp<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
hospitality, education, healthcare,<br />
and renewable energy
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
13<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
have already <strong>in</strong>vested more than €2 billion <strong>in</strong> several sectors of the Cypriot economy,<br />
such as shipp<strong>in</strong>g, hospitality, education, healthcare, and renewable energy. <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
offers both EU-regulated Undertak<strong>in</strong>gs of Collective Investment <strong>in</strong> Transferable<br />
Securities (UCITS) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). In July 2018, the country<br />
upgraded its AIF framework and <strong>in</strong>troduced Registered AIFs (RAIFs), which do not<br />
require authorisation by the supervis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Cyprus</strong> Securities and Exchange Commission<br />
(CySEC) to commence operations provided they are externally managed by an<br />
Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) based <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> or another EU country.<br />
The upgraded legislation has been hailed ‘ground-break<strong>in</strong>g’ and offers a significantly<br />
more time- and cost-efficient means of establish<strong>in</strong>g AIFs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Today, the majority<br />
of alternative <strong>in</strong>vestment funds <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> are of a small and medium size and focus<br />
on debt and equity securities, real estate and private equity. However, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has also<br />
attracted larger funds <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g one with assets of €500 million under management.<br />
The number of alternative <strong>in</strong>vestment funds has more than doubled <strong>in</strong> the last five<br />
years and foreign UCITS are now widely marketed <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g ones promoted<br />
by <strong>in</strong>ternational f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions such as JP Morgan, UBS and Julius Baer.<br />
GLOBAL SHIPPING HUB<br />
major success story for <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been the maritime sector, which accounts for<br />
A around €1 billion <strong>in</strong> annual revenue and approximately 7% of the island’s GDP<br />
– and of this figure, shipmanagement alone accounts for 5%. Apart from offer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
shipmanagement and bus<strong>in</strong>ess services to the <strong>in</strong>dustry, the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Registry is<br />
classified as the third largest merchant fleet <strong>in</strong> the European Union and the 11 th largest<br />
<strong>in</strong> the world. The country is also the EU’s largest shipmanagement centre and amongst<br />
the top three <strong>in</strong> the world. The sector has seen growth <strong>in</strong> the past few years and <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
is currently look<strong>in</strong>g at restructur<strong>in</strong>g the commercial shipp<strong>in</strong>g sector to strengthen its<br />
competitive edge. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g an advantageous EU-approved tonnage tax system<br />
<strong>in</strong> 2010, the island has cont<strong>in</strong>ued to attract <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g numbers of shipp<strong>in</strong>g companies<br />
from across the world. The country’s maritime capital, Limassol, is home to some of the<br />
most <strong>in</strong>fluential names <strong>in</strong> shipp<strong>in</strong>g today manag<strong>in</strong>g around 20% of the world’s thirdparty<br />
managed fleet.<br />
I<br />
Apart from offer<strong>in</strong>g shipmanagement and<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess services to the <strong>in</strong>dustry, the<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Registry is classified as the third<br />
largest merchant fleet <strong>in</strong> the European<br />
Union and the 11th largest <strong>in</strong> the world.
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
14<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
Apart from the sun and the sea,<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> has few natural resources<br />
and has been dependent on oil imports<br />
to satisfy its energy demands. However,<br />
the substantial discovery of natural gas<br />
and potential oil deposits <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>’<br />
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) <strong>in</strong><br />
the Mediterranean Sea is expected to<br />
change all this. Exploratory drill<strong>in</strong>gs by<br />
global energy giants have confirmed<br />
natural gas reserves that could meet<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ domestic gas demand for over<br />
EAST MED ENERGY CENTRE<br />
IThe country’s top-tier<br />
universities and research<br />
<strong>in</strong>stitutes are also play<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
pivotal part <strong>in</strong> these efforts<br />
to create a more susta<strong>in</strong>able<br />
energy mix through <strong>in</strong>novation<br />
<strong>in</strong> smart tech and research <strong>in</strong><br />
ways to battle climate change<br />
100 years, and a surplus for export. The<br />
hydrocarbons race <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ waters has attracted <strong>in</strong>ternational energy heavyweights,<br />
such as Total, ENI, Kogas, Royal Dutch Shell, and ExxonMobil to explore the island’s<br />
waters for new discoveries and multiple auxiliary services companies have set up<br />
to support these efforts. With 340 days of sunsh<strong>in</strong>e to harness, solar energy has also<br />
become a bit of a boom segment for <strong>Cyprus</strong> recently. The government is plac<strong>in</strong>g strong<br />
focus on renewable energy and work<strong>in</strong>g towards achiev<strong>in</strong>g a zero-carbon economy.<br />
The country’s top-tier universities and research <strong>in</strong>stitutes are also play<strong>in</strong>g a pivotal role<br />
<strong>in</strong> these efforts to create a more susta<strong>in</strong>able energy mix through <strong>in</strong>novation <strong>in</strong> smart<br />
tech and research <strong>in</strong> ways to battle climate change.<br />
TECH AND INNOVATION TAKING THE LEAD<br />
The technology space <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> is see<strong>in</strong>g a fresh boost with more state support to the<br />
sector, the launch of new national strategies to <strong>in</strong>tegrate <strong>in</strong>novative tech, and fresh<br />
<strong>in</strong>centives to attract more digital nomads, IT start-ups and regional headquarters. With<br />
its new focus on long-term development outcomes, <strong>Cyprus</strong> is determ<strong>in</strong>ed to diversify<br />
and harness growth with a technology-driven economy. The biggest spender by far on<br />
IT <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> is the f<strong>in</strong>ancial sector, followed by the telecoms providers and the public<br />
service. Albeit one of the smallest EU member states, research and development is an<br />
area where <strong>Cyprus</strong> punches well above its weight. Unprecedented <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
sector and ground-break<strong>in</strong>g projects are establish<strong>in</strong>g this small island, not only as an<br />
<strong>in</strong>novation and research hub, but as a regional centre of excellence provid<strong>in</strong>g strong<br />
l<strong>in</strong>ks with the global scientific and technical <strong>in</strong>novation community.<br />
POPULAR TOURISM DESTINATION<br />
Tourism has been a key driv<strong>in</strong>g force of the Cypriot economy for decades, and pre-<br />
Covid the country saw consecutive years of record-break<strong>in</strong>g numbers of tourist<br />
arrivals and revenue. Although the pandemic temporarily stifled the thriv<strong>in</strong>g sector,<br />
tourist arrival figures are rebound<strong>in</strong>g and new projects currently underway are<br />
set to strengthen and upgrade <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ tourism product and encourage more yearround<br />
visitors, a strategy <strong>Cyprus</strong> is fully committed to. These projects range from the<br />
construction of new golf courses, luxury mar<strong>in</strong>a developments and the upgrad<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
the island’s wellness and medical tourism product. A new and excit<strong>in</strong>g prospect is the
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
15<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
Kourion<br />
current construction of the Republic’s first-ever luxury cas<strong>in</strong>o resort. The €600 million<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegrated resort, run by a consortium with renowned Hong Kong player Melco, will<br />
exceed five-star status and open a whole new market for niche tourism on the island.<br />
ATTRACTIVE REAL ESTATE<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> real estate sector was show<strong>in</strong>g strong market performance straight<br />
through to 2019, but 2020 marked a turn<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t as the pandemic hit worldwide.<br />
However, by October 2021, sales to the European market <strong>in</strong>creased 68% and 2022<br />
has shown dynamic momentum <strong>in</strong> sales so far. <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ appeal has rema<strong>in</strong>ed strong<br />
amongst <strong>in</strong>ternational <strong>in</strong>vestors, expats and retirees thanks to its Mediterranean<br />
climate, high quality of life and safety, as well as its status as an EU member state<br />
conveniently located between three cont<strong>in</strong>ents. <strong>Cyprus</strong> has one of the highest home<br />
ownership rates <strong>in</strong> Europe and also has a longstand<strong>in</strong>g market for second homes and<br />
holiday villas, mak<strong>in</strong>g the economy heavily reliant on the sector. With new up-market<br />
developments, <strong>in</strong>creased foreign <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> top hotels and major <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
projects spr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g up, <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ attractiveness as a property <strong>in</strong>vestment location is set to<br />
grow <strong>in</strong> the com<strong>in</strong>g years.<br />
Limassol Mar<strong>in</strong>a
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
16<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
FDI APPEAL<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ FDI appeal has been on an upward trajectory thanks to a robust economy.<br />
Real GDP growth averaged 4.6% <strong>in</strong> 2015-19 and <strong>in</strong> 2021 the economy showed<br />
strong performance with 5.5% growth, rega<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g lost ground from the height of the<br />
Covid-19 pandemic. For the last several years, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been a hive of activity with<br />
several notable projects already implemented or <strong>in</strong> the pipel<strong>in</strong>e, strengthen<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
country’s image and appeal. Foreign <strong>in</strong>vestment flows have been significant. In the<br />
ten-year period 2011-2020, cumulative net FDI reached €22.2 billion. This <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
was driven by equity, with the shipp<strong>in</strong>g/shipp<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ance and real estate sectors<br />
play<strong>in</strong>g a significant role, while <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> communications is now also beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to ga<strong>in</strong> importance. Ongo<strong>in</strong>g improvements <strong>in</strong> the macroeconomic and f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
environment have also revived <strong>in</strong>ternational <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> around 30 major development<br />
projects on the island. Investment opportunities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ large-scale projects span<br />
various sectors, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g high-value tourism and hous<strong>in</strong>g developments, projects with<br />
a special focus on golf courses and luxury mar<strong>in</strong>as, as well as education, energy, and<br />
more recently the <strong>in</strong>ternational film sector. The growth performance of <strong>Cyprus</strong> over<br />
the last five years has been exceptional and even exceeded <strong>in</strong>ternational expectations,<br />
while successive credit rat<strong>in</strong>g upgrades and new <strong>in</strong>centives have attracted billions <strong>in</strong><br />
foreign <strong>in</strong>vestment s<strong>in</strong>ce 2015, with significant <strong>in</strong>flows from the US, Asia, Russia and the<br />
Middle East. <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ liberalised Foreign Direct Investment Policy, both for EU citizens<br />
and <strong>in</strong>vestors from third countries, along with its favourable tax regime makes it one of<br />
the most attractive centres for FDI <strong>in</strong> Europe.<br />
Parklane Limassol<br />
A DIVERSIFIED FUTURE<br />
Offer<strong>in</strong>g a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that makes do<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
pleasurable as well as profitable, <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ Mediterranean lifestyle coexists happily<br />
with a cutt<strong>in</strong>g-edge <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess hub, allow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestors to enjoy the best of<br />
both worlds: a safe and comfortable environment for family life and a sophisticated<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure from which to grow and develop bus<strong>in</strong>ess. <strong>Cyprus</strong> comb<strong>in</strong>es numerous<br />
advantages as a bus<strong>in</strong>ess base with its EU-approved tax regime, competitive 12.5%<br />
corporate tax rate and tax breaks for high earners, its pro-bus<strong>in</strong>ess government<br />
and highly skilled workforce – as well as promis<strong>in</strong>g growth and development across<br />
numerous economic sectors. With <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ prospects on the rise, the country has all the<br />
right elements firmly <strong>in</strong> place to strengthen its reputation as an <strong>in</strong>ternational centre of<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess excellence <strong>in</strong> one of Europe’s most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestment locations. n
THERE IS A PLACE WHERE…<br />
you have a local partner<br />
on the ground.<br />
As the national <strong>in</strong>vestment authority, Invest<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> acts as a s<strong>in</strong>gle po<strong>in</strong>t of contact and one<br />
stop shop for exist<strong>in</strong>g and potential <strong>in</strong>vestors.<br />
Our dedicated team provides after care and<br />
facilitation services, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g support<strong>in</strong>g you <strong>in</strong><br />
site selection, sett<strong>in</strong>g up offices, staff immigration<br />
and relocation procedures while cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
grow its extensive portfolio of available<br />
projects and <strong>in</strong>vestment opportunities.<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>vestcyprus.org.cy
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
18<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
INSIGHT<br />
M<strong>in</strong>ister of Energy, Commerce and Industry<br />
Natasa Pilides
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
19<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia are currently deepen<strong>in</strong>g their<br />
bilateral ties <strong>in</strong> terms of trade and <strong>in</strong>vestment. Which<br />
sectors of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> economy could provide the most<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment potential for <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia at the moment?<br />
How can <strong>Cyprus</strong> facilitate more bus<strong>in</strong>ess and make<br />
itself even more attractive to <strong>Saudi</strong> <strong>in</strong>vestors?<br />
The bilateral ties between <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia have certa<strong>in</strong>ly come a long way<br />
<strong>in</strong> recent years. In fact, the two countries are constantly grow<strong>in</strong>g closer, especially<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g the creation of the <strong>Cyprus</strong>-<strong>Saudi</strong> <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Association and, more recently,<br />
with the visit to the K<strong>in</strong>gdom of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia, <strong>in</strong> March 2022, of the President of the<br />
Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong>, Nicos Anastasiades, for official talks with His Royal Highness Pr<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
Mohammed b<strong>in</strong> Salman b<strong>in</strong> Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Pr<strong>in</strong>ce, Deputy Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister<br />
and M<strong>in</strong>ister of Defence.<br />
The whole spectrum of bilateral relations, as well as ways to develop them further,<br />
were reviewed dur<strong>in</strong>g the visit, along with the mutual strategic pursuit of creat<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
fertile and motivat<strong>in</strong>g environment for bilateral <strong>in</strong>vestment, <strong>in</strong> several sectors. This<br />
could be achieved through launch<strong>in</strong>g several jo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong>itiatives, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the fields of<br />
civil aviation, energy, maritime and air transport, ports, food, medic<strong>in</strong>e, digitalisation,<br />
cyber security and f<strong>in</strong>ancial services.<br />
Significant potential exists for both countries to enjoy sizable benefits from such<br />
bilateral collaborations. In this regard, the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the K<strong>in</strong>gdom of<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia are work<strong>in</strong>g together towards promot<strong>in</strong>g a series of bilateral trade and<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment agreements.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> welcomes the K<strong>in</strong>gdom’s launch of the <strong>Saudi</strong> Green and the Middle East<br />
Green Initiatives. Opportunities for cooperation <strong>in</strong> implement<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Saudi</strong> Vision<br />
2030 and <strong>Cyprus</strong> Vision 2035, are <strong>in</strong> fact immense, as jo<strong>in</strong>t projects are possible <strong>in</strong> a<br />
number of energy related fields, such as petrochemicals, energy efficiency, electricity<br />
production, renewable energy, clean technologies for hydrocarbons, and low-carbon<br />
fuels, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g hydrogen.<br />
Be<strong>in</strong>g a robust tourist dest<strong>in</strong>ation,<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> has attracted the <strong>in</strong>terest of<br />
lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestment groups to expand their<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational presence <strong>in</strong> the country. The<br />
National Tourism Strategy 2030 provides<br />
for several <strong>in</strong>vestment opportunities,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g development <strong>in</strong> mounta<strong>in</strong> and<br />
remote regions, and <strong>in</strong>volves diversify<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the country’s offer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> order to promote<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able tourism.<br />
Moreover, the comb<strong>in</strong>ation of a robust<br />
private health sector and <strong>in</strong>ternationally<br />
acclaimed medical research and health<br />
professionals, as well as the roll-out of a<br />
ISignificant potential exists for<br />
both countries to enjoy sizable<br />
benefits from such bilateral<br />
collaborations. In this regard,<br />
the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> and<br />
the K<strong>in</strong>gdom of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia<br />
are work<strong>in</strong>g together towards<br />
promot<strong>in</strong>g a series of bilateral<br />
trade and <strong>in</strong>vestment agreements.
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
20<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
new national health system, open up <strong>in</strong>vestment opportunities <strong>in</strong> the field of healthcare<br />
and medical tourism.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>, as one of the first EU countries to transpose the Alternative Investment<br />
Fund Managers Directive <strong>in</strong>to national legislation and hav<strong>in</strong>g ratified the national<br />
Alternative Investment Funds Law, is an ideal jurisdiction for <strong>in</strong>vestment funds and<br />
asset management companies, offer<strong>in</strong>g direct access to key markets <strong>in</strong> a very efficient<br />
manner.<br />
I<br />
At the crossroads of Europe, North<br />
At the crossroads of Europe,<br />
Africa and Asia and be<strong>in</strong>g the closest EU<br />
country to <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia, <strong>Cyprus</strong> can serve North Africa and Asia and<br />
as an ideal location for <strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g the closest EU country<br />
to establish their European and<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational headquarters. In addition to <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia, <strong>Cyprus</strong> can<br />
to ease of access to the EU market and<br />
serve as an ideal location<br />
beyond, these bus<strong>in</strong>esses can also<br />
benefit from <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ modern, simple and for <strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses to<br />
transparent tax and legal systems and the<br />
establish their European and<br />
high quality of professional and f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
services offered, conducive to do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational headquarters.<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess and <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
competitiveness.<br />
True to its bus<strong>in</strong>ess-orientated culture and constantly seek<strong>in</strong>g to facilitate the ease<br />
of do<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess on the island, the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> has also launched, <strong>in</strong> 2022, the<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Facilitation Unit, through which bus<strong>in</strong>ess set-up, licens<strong>in</strong>g and permitt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
is fast-tracked. In addition, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has <strong>in</strong>troduced new residence and employment<br />
policies for highly skilled third country nationals. n
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
22<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT<br />
Investment Gateway<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> has attracted formidable foreign<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment from around the world with billions<br />
flow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to new projects <strong>in</strong> multiple sectors,<br />
prov<strong>in</strong>g the island nation cont<strong>in</strong>ues to have a<br />
strong pull factor with global <strong>in</strong>vestors.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> has been a hive of activity <strong>in</strong> recent years, with several notable projects<br />
already implemented or <strong>in</strong> the pipel<strong>in</strong>e, strengthen<strong>in</strong>g the country’s image and<br />
foreign direct <strong>in</strong>vestment (FDI) appeal. Large-scale real estate projects, luxury mar<strong>in</strong>as<br />
and tourism <strong>in</strong>frastructure, coupled with develop<strong>in</strong>g opportunities <strong>in</strong> the energy, asset<br />
management and shipp<strong>in</strong>g sectors have all re<strong>in</strong>forced <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ status as an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment dest<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
An added benefit of <strong>Cyprus</strong> is its geostrategic location and secure and stable EU<br />
environment <strong>in</strong> an often-turbulent region. These factors coupled with the <strong>in</strong>troduction<br />
of new <strong>in</strong>centives are encourag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g numbers of companies from across<br />
the world to set up headquarters on the island, solidify<strong>in</strong>g its position as an attractive<br />
gateway to both established and develop<strong>in</strong>g markets. More recently, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has also<br />
started to ga<strong>in</strong> serious traction <strong>in</strong> attract<strong>in</strong>g more <strong>in</strong>novative high-tech organisations<br />
to set up on its shores – rebrand<strong>in</strong>g itself as an emerg<strong>in</strong>g tech hub.
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
23<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS<br />
Successive credit rat<strong>in</strong>g upgrades over the years and the cont<strong>in</strong>uous <strong>in</strong>troduction<br />
of new <strong>in</strong>centives have attracted billions <strong>in</strong> foreign <strong>in</strong>vestment to <strong>Cyprus</strong>, with<br />
substantial <strong>in</strong>flows from the US, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The sectors<br />
that have seen the most significant FDI so far are: f<strong>in</strong>ance, most notably <strong>in</strong> shipp<strong>in</strong>g;<br />
real estate <strong>in</strong> new luxury developments and <strong>in</strong>frastructure projects; <strong>in</strong>formation and<br />
communication; retail trade; and professional services, <strong>in</strong> particular head-office<br />
activities.<br />
Although hav<strong>in</strong>g faced some serious<br />
economic shocks over the last ten years,<br />
the resilience and growth performance<br />
of <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been exceptional and even<br />
exceeded <strong>in</strong>ternational expectations.<br />
Real GDP growth averaged 5.3% <strong>in</strong> 2015-<br />
19, and while 2020 marked a critical<br />
downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 2021 saw a strong rebound with growth<br />
bounc<strong>in</strong>g back to 5.5%. Foreign <strong>in</strong>vestment flows have been significant. In the tenyear<br />
period 2012-2021, net <strong>in</strong>flows reached almost €18 billion. This <strong>in</strong>vestment was<br />
driven by equity, with the shipp<strong>in</strong>g/shipp<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ance and real estate sectors play<strong>in</strong>g<br />
an important role.<br />
GROWING TECH INVESTMENT<br />
The technology and communications sector <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> has become fiercely<br />
competitive, with a number of players deploy<strong>in</strong>g cutt<strong>in</strong>g edge solutions to both<br />
<strong>in</strong>crease their local market share and generate growth through the launch of new<br />
technology and products. 5G was rolled out <strong>in</strong> 2021, mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Cyprus</strong> the first EU state to<br />
achieve 100% 5G coverage.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> is already home to a number<br />
of major tech firms, such as NCR,<br />
Amdocs, Wargam<strong>in</strong>g, 3CX, Exness,<br />
Bolt, Thomson Reuters, Melsoft Games,<br />
and Nexters, and has ga<strong>in</strong>ed ground<br />
<strong>in</strong> successfully attract<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
capital <strong>in</strong> blockcha<strong>in</strong>. The country’s startup<br />
community has also grown stronger<br />
with more than 200 enterprises and<br />
4,000 entrepreneurs, foster<strong>in</strong>g more<br />
opportunities for bus<strong>in</strong>ess angels and<br />
venture capitalists look<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>vest<br />
risk capital <strong>in</strong> exchange for equity <strong>in</strong><br />
promis<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess ideas. In addition, a<br />
key attraction for high-tech companies<br />
is the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Intellectual IP Box Regime,<br />
I5G was rolled out <strong>in</strong> 2021, mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> the first EU state to achieve<br />
100% coverage<br />
IIn the ten-year period 2012-2021,<br />
net <strong>in</strong>flows reached almost<br />
€18 billion<br />
which provides a competitive maximum<br />
tax rate of 2.5% on <strong>in</strong>come earned from<br />
IP assets. <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ regime also applies to<br />
a wider range of <strong>in</strong>come compared to
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
24<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
other European schemes, most of which restrict benefits to <strong>in</strong>come from patents and<br />
supplementary patent certificates.<br />
2022 saw more global names <strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, with European digital neobank<strong>in</strong>g<br />
platform Revolut, valued at US$33 billion, becom<strong>in</strong>g the first entity to receive approval<br />
as a crypto-asset service provider from the <strong>Cyprus</strong> regulator. The authorisation<br />
will enable Revolut to offer crypto services to its 17 million customers <strong>in</strong> the EEA<br />
out of a new crypto-asset hub <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Revolut said its choice was down to the<br />
sophisticated regulatory regime of the country, which has already attracted the likes<br />
of Crypto.com, eToro and BitPanda. A lead<strong>in</strong>g US consumer services and applications<br />
software provider, TangoMe, also announced plans to launch offices <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternationally renowned tech company, with an annual revenue of around US$350<br />
million, will establish a strong presence <strong>in</strong> Limassol with a sizeable number of<br />
employees relocat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
Another project set to bolster <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ efforts to become a regional telecoms and data<br />
hub and attract more <strong>in</strong>vestment, was <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ lead<strong>in</strong>g telecoms provider Cyta sign<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a €850 million venture with Greece and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia for the construction of the East<br />
Med Corridor (EMC) for a global digital highway l<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g Europe with Asia. In addition,<br />
the modernisation of state <strong>in</strong>frastructure and speed<strong>in</strong>g up the adoption of cloud<br />
services <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> were key targets of the sign<strong>in</strong>g of a Memorandum of Understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with Amazon Web Services (AWS) <strong>in</strong> 2022, a collaboration that will open up a new era<br />
of opportunities.<br />
INVESTING IN EDUCATION<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> is develop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to a regional<br />
education and knowledge hub with<br />
the rapid expansion of tertiary education<br />
and its universities steadily climb<strong>in</strong>g up<br />
global rank<strong>in</strong>gs. The country has already<br />
established synergies with <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
universities, most notably the University<br />
of Nicosia launch<strong>in</strong>g the island’s first degree<br />
programme <strong>in</strong> medic<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> collaboration<br />
with St George’s Medical School at<br />
the University of London, and University<br />
of Central Lancashire – <strong>Cyprus</strong> (UCLan),<br />
IThe number of foreign<br />
students choos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
for their studies has almost<br />
tripled <strong>in</strong> the last five years,<br />
represent<strong>in</strong>g over 60 different<br />
countries and support<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
growth of <strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong>to a true<br />
global educational centre
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
25<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
18th<br />
á 50 PLACES<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> ranked <strong>in</strong> 18th place <strong>in</strong> the<br />
2021 Greenfield FDI Performance<br />
Index, climb<strong>in</strong>g 50 places<br />
compared to the year before<br />
á150%<br />
Greenfield <strong>in</strong>vestments <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
rose by 150% <strong>in</strong> the first half of 2022<br />
from the same period of 2019<br />
Top 10<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> is <strong>in</strong> the top10<br />
rank<strong>in</strong>g of countries that<br />
stand out for the post-pandemic<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment recovery<br />
á600%<br />
<strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> software and<br />
IT <strong>in</strong>vestments <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
between 2019 and 2022<br />
Source: FDI Intelligence<br />
Source: FDI Intelligence<br />
CUMULATIVE FDI LIABILITIES (INVESTMENTS) BY SECTOR 2016-2020<br />
Sector<br />
€/Billion<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ance & Insurance 41.7<br />
Real Estate 4.8<br />
Information & Communication 1.4<br />
Professional Scientific & Technical 1.3<br />
Total (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g others) 52.7<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g the first British university to establish a campus on the island. This has s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
been followed by the announcement of the American University of Beirut (AUB) to establish<br />
a €29 million campus <strong>in</strong> Paphos <strong>in</strong> 2023 – branded the American University of<br />
Beirut-Mediterraneo. The aim is to accommodate over 2,000 students <strong>in</strong> the com<strong>in</strong>g<br />
years.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> hosts an impressive and<br />
fast-grow<strong>in</strong>g R&I ecosystem, featur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
high quality academic and research <strong>in</strong>stitutions<br />
and six Centres of Excellence (CoE).<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Institute has established itself<br />
as a significant research <strong>in</strong>stitute with<br />
global networks of excellence supported<br />
by significant EU fund<strong>in</strong>g. The number<br />
I<strong>Cyprus</strong> hosts an impressive and<br />
fast-grow<strong>in</strong>g R&I ecosystem,<br />
featur<strong>in</strong>g high quality academic<br />
and research <strong>in</strong>stitutions and<br />
six Centres of Excellence (CoE)<br />
of foreign students choos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Cyprus</strong> for their studies has almost tripled <strong>in</strong> the last five<br />
years, represent<strong>in</strong>g over 60 different countries and support<strong>in</strong>g the growth of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>to a true global educational centre. This fact underl<strong>in</strong>es the great opportunities that<br />
exist <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> for the establishment of new universities, colleges and <strong>in</strong>stitutes.
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
26<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
PORTS AND SHIPPING<br />
The 2017 commercialisation of the country’s largest port <strong>in</strong> Limassol marked a new<br />
era for <strong>Cyprus</strong> as a commercial hub. The port privatisation came <strong>in</strong> the context of<br />
the first discovery of natural gas <strong>in</strong> 2011, the launch of the €300 million VTTV oil trad<strong>in</strong>g<br />
term<strong>in</strong>al <strong>in</strong> 2014, and a dedicated Shipp<strong>in</strong>g Deputy M<strong>in</strong>ister <strong>in</strong> 2018. The privatisation<br />
deal with Eurogate International GmbH and lead<strong>in</strong>g Emirati logistics giant DP World<br />
Limited is expected to boost state coffers with €2 billion over the next 25 years, while<br />
the new port operators have <strong>in</strong>jected millions <strong>in</strong> upgrad<strong>in</strong>g services and <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
The more recent contract for the Larnaca<br />
port and mar<strong>in</strong>a was signed with<br />
a Cypriot-Israeli consortium, Eldeman<br />
Hold<strong>in</strong>g BV and Alexandrou Corporate<br />
Services Ltd, <strong>in</strong> late 2020 and is expected<br />
to attract around €1.2 billion <strong>in</strong> construction<br />
and real estate development – mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
it one of the biggest <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong>vestments<br />
to date <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
One of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ most successful export<br />
services has been the maritime <strong>in</strong>dustry.<br />
The growth of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ resident shipp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sector over the past 50 years has developed<br />
IThere has been a fivefold<br />
<strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> the number of<br />
shipp<strong>in</strong>g companies that have<br />
registered with <strong>Cyprus</strong>’<br />
specialised shipp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
taxation system<br />
boost<strong>in</strong>g the sector’s<br />
revenue by around 25%<br />
a strong maritime cluster that caters to the<br />
needs of <strong>Cyprus</strong>-based companies, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g bank<strong>in</strong>g, professional services, <strong>in</strong>surance<br />
and IT. The cluster is consistently attract<strong>in</strong>g more quality tonnage and shipp<strong>in</strong>g-related<br />
companies to its shores. Between 2010 – when the <strong>Cyprus</strong> tonnage tax system was<br />
approved by the European Commission – and 2021, there has been a fivefold <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
<strong>in</strong> the number of shipp<strong>in</strong>g companies that have registered with <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ specialised<br />
shipp<strong>in</strong>g taxation system, boost<strong>in</strong>g the sector’s revenue by around 25%.
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
27<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
Some examples <strong>in</strong>clude the decision <strong>in</strong> 2018 by lead<strong>in</strong>g London ship <strong>in</strong>surer P&I Club<br />
to open a post-Brexit EU subsidiary <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, reaffirm<strong>in</strong>g the island’s position as one<br />
of the top global hubs for shipp<strong>in</strong>g. Another triumph came <strong>in</strong> early 2019, when British<br />
shipp<strong>in</strong>g firm P&O Ferries decided to register its English Channel operat<strong>in</strong>g fleet<br />
under the <strong>Cyprus</strong> flag to take advantage of the benefits and security it provides. Two<br />
of the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s most highly respected privately-owned shipmanagement companies,<br />
Columbia Shipmanagement and Marlow Navigation – both based <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> – merged<br />
<strong>in</strong> 2017 to form Columbia Marlow, creat<strong>in</strong>g one of the world’s largest ship and crewmanagement<br />
companies. Another transaction constitut<strong>in</strong>g FDI was the 2018 buyout<br />
of Limassol-based Songa Offshore SE by Transocean Ltd, the world’s largest offshore<br />
drill<strong>in</strong>g contractor for oil and gas wells, <strong>in</strong> a deal worth US$3.4 billion. In addition,<br />
natural gas f<strong>in</strong>ds with<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and efforts to exploit<br />
it <strong>in</strong> cooperation with neighbour<strong>in</strong>g countries have expanded opportunities for the<br />
island’s already thriv<strong>in</strong>g shipp<strong>in</strong>g sector.<br />
DEVELOPING AN ENERGY HUB<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ hydrocarbons discoveries captured the attention of global energy<br />
heavyweights when US company Noble Energy, now acquired by US giant Chevron,<br />
made the first natural gas discovery <strong>in</strong> 2011 with estimated resources of 4.5 trillion cubic<br />
feet (tcf) <strong>in</strong> the Aphrodite field. ENI, Kogas, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, and Total<br />
have all secured exploration licences and conducted exploratory drill<strong>in</strong>g. ExxonMobil<br />
announced the discovery of an estimated 5 to 8 tcf <strong>in</strong> Block 10 <strong>in</strong> early 2019, while ENI<br />
confirmed a discovery <strong>in</strong> Block 6 – which it operates with Total – of around 2.5 tcf <strong>in</strong><br />
August 2022. Further discoveries could be announced with<strong>in</strong> the next year.<br />
In 2019 <strong>Cyprus</strong> agreed to build a subsea pipel<strong>in</strong>e connect<strong>in</strong>g Aphrodite to Egypt’s<br />
liquefaction plants and concluded a production-shar<strong>in</strong>g deal with Noble Energy (now<br />
Chevron) and its partners over the Aphrodite gas reservoir. The development of<br />
ENI, Kogas, ExxonMobil,<br />
Royal Dutch Shell,<br />
and Total have all<br />
secured exploration<br />
licences and conducted<br />
exploratory drill<strong>in</strong>g
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
28<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
Aphrodite is now expected <strong>in</strong> 2026. S<strong>in</strong>ce the start of the pandemic, activity and works<br />
worth US$200 million have been completed <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ EEZ by oil and gas companies,<br />
underl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g their cont<strong>in</strong>ued commitment to <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
In addition to offshore discoveries <strong>in</strong> the last decade, a range of other new energy<br />
opportunities have come to the fore. In December 2019, <strong>Cyprus</strong> signed a landmark<br />
deal with a Ch<strong>in</strong>ese-led consortium to build a €290 million LNG import term<strong>in</strong>al at<br />
Vassilikos. The consortium construct<strong>in</strong>g the project <strong>in</strong>cludes Ch<strong>in</strong>a Petroleum Pipel<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g CO LTD, Metron SA, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuild<strong>in</strong>g and Wilhelmsen<br />
Ship Management. The term<strong>in</strong>al will <strong>in</strong>clude a float<strong>in</strong>g storage and regasification unit<br />
(FSRU), a jetty for moor<strong>in</strong>g the FSRU and related <strong>in</strong>frastructure at Vassilikos. The FSRU,<br />
expected to be completed <strong>in</strong> 2023, attracted €150 million <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ance from the European<br />
Investment Bank (EIB), €80 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and<br />
Development (EBRD), €101 million from the EU’s Connect<strong>in</strong>g Europe Facility as well as<br />
an equity contribution of €43 million from the Electricity Authority of <strong>Cyprus</strong> (EAC).<br />
Parallel to this, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been ramp<strong>in</strong>g up its renewables capacity, with support<br />
from the EU’s €1.2 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility (RFF). The renewable energy<br />
sector could be one of the most attractive areas for <strong>in</strong>vestment and jo<strong>in</strong>t ventures<br />
with other countries. For example, Israel has been <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> cooperat<strong>in</strong>g with its<br />
Cypriot counterparts <strong>in</strong> establish<strong>in</strong>g pilot projects where new Israeli tech could be<br />
tested <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Also, the UAE and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia have been pioneers <strong>in</strong> clean energy,<br />
especially <strong>in</strong> the field of hydrogen, and are keen to export its RES know-how and create<br />
synergies. For example, <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia – dubbed to become one of the biggest producers<br />
of clean energy – could support the EU’s<br />
hydrogen strategy through <strong>Cyprus</strong> as<br />
I<strong>Cyprus</strong> has been ramp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
up its renewables capacity,<br />
with support from the EU’s<br />
€1.2 billion Recovery and<br />
Resilience Facility (RFF)<br />
an <strong>in</strong>terconnector to <strong>Saudi</strong>’s biggest<br />
hydrogen production plant currently<br />
under construction. The long-awaited full<br />
liberalisation of the electricity production<br />
market <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> has seen many delays,<br />
but once this materialises it would
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
29<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
allow a fresh <strong>in</strong>flow of new private players operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> both renewables and gas to<br />
compete <strong>in</strong> the local market – and <strong>in</strong> a broader regional market thanks to the EuroAsia<br />
Interconnector project to connect <strong>Cyprus</strong>, Israel and Greece via submar<strong>in</strong>e electricity<br />
cable and the related EuroAfrica Interconnector to connect Egypt.<br />
STABLE BANKING SECTOR AND GROWING INVESTMENT FUNDS<br />
Today, <strong>Cyprus</strong> banks ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> high levels of capital adequacy and liquidity but<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ue to grapple with manag<strong>in</strong>g their non-perform<strong>in</strong>g loan (NPL) portfolios.<br />
The restructur<strong>in</strong>g of the bank<strong>in</strong>g sector after 2013 attracted important <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
<strong>in</strong>stitutional <strong>in</strong>vestors and fresh foreign capital and encouraged accelerated sales of<br />
NPLs. These developments substantially<br />
reduced risk and enabled the f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
system to operate on a healthier basis.<br />
The island also hosts a thriv<strong>in</strong>g forex<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry with many global giants bas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
their operational headquarters <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
In addition, the <strong>in</strong>vestment funds sector<br />
has grown exponentially <strong>in</strong> the last few<br />
years with Assets under Management<br />
(AuM) see<strong>in</strong>g a stagger<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>crease from<br />
€2.7 billion <strong>in</strong> 2016 to €11.1 billion <strong>in</strong> the<br />
first quarter of 2022, prov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
is be<strong>in</strong>g recognised by the global asset<br />
management community. Investment<br />
funds have already <strong>in</strong>vested more than<br />
€2 billion <strong>in</strong> several sectors of the Cypriot<br />
economy, such as shipp<strong>in</strong>g, hospitality,<br />
education, healthcare, and renewable<br />
energy.<br />
IThe <strong>in</strong>vestment funds sector<br />
LUXURY TOURISM AND HIGH-END REAL ESTATE<br />
has grown exponentially <strong>in</strong><br />
the last few years with Assets<br />
under Management (AuM)<br />
see<strong>in</strong>g a stagger<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
from €2.7 billion <strong>in</strong> 2016 to<br />
€11.1 billion<br />
<strong>in</strong> the first quarter of 2022,<br />
prov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Cyprus</strong> is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
recognised by the global asset<br />
management community<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be on the top of the list for <strong>in</strong>vestors, holiday-home seekers, expats<br />
and retirees. Tourism and real estate have always been robust sectors of the Cypriot<br />
economy, and a concerted effort to diversify the <strong>Cyprus</strong> offer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> recent years has paid<br />
off. The number of foreign <strong>in</strong>vestors clos<strong>in</strong>g multimillion-euro deals <strong>in</strong> the last several<br />
years underl<strong>in</strong>es the fact that tourism-related real estate and <strong>in</strong>frastructure cont<strong>in</strong>ues<br />
to be one of the most attractive <strong>in</strong>vestment opportunities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Pre-pandemic years<br />
of record-break<strong>in</strong>g tourism numbers saw the island attract new <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> conference,<br />
sports, health and wellness tourism. The construction and <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> multipurpose<br />
projects and mixed-use developments such as luxury mar<strong>in</strong>as, golf courses and more<br />
recently the island’s first-ever and only <strong>in</strong>tegrated luxury cas<strong>in</strong>o resort, are all part of<br />
the ongo<strong>in</strong>g strategy to upgrade <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ tourism product. The new cas<strong>in</strong>o resort, City<br />
of Dreams Mediterranean, will have extensive facilities and five-star status. The cas<strong>in</strong>o<br />
resort is Hong Kong-based Melco’s first expansion outside of Asia and will be the biggest<br />
cas<strong>in</strong>o of its k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong> Europe, with the <strong>in</strong>vestment for this mega project at €600 million.<br />
Spurred by this unique development, <strong>Cyprus</strong> garnered another landmark <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
deal <strong>in</strong> 2022 with Israeli bus<strong>in</strong>ess magnate Gilad Shabtai <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> over 130,000 m 2
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
30<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
Artist Impression: City of Dreams Mediterranean<br />
Artist Impression: Grand Hyatt Limassol<br />
Artist Impression: Ritz-Carlton Residences<br />
IMajor <strong>in</strong>vestments have also<br />
of land for development surround<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
new <strong>in</strong>tegrated cas<strong>in</strong>o resort <strong>in</strong> Limassol.<br />
been made <strong>in</strong> the hospitality<br />
The dest<strong>in</strong>ation and value of the area are<br />
set to be elevated by this key real estate<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry with acquisitions<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment.<br />
and the construction of new<br />
Proposals <strong>in</strong>clude the development<br />
of exclusive seven-star facilities<br />
luxury hotels by renowned<br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g bespoke services for owners<br />
hotel management cha<strong>in</strong>s<br />
and <strong>in</strong>vestors. Plans are also <strong>in</strong> place<br />
for additional <strong>in</strong>vestment by the former<br />
majority shareholder of telecoms start-up Viber <strong>in</strong>to the further expansion of the area<br />
<strong>in</strong> the future – which is a solid vote of confidence <strong>in</strong> the vast growth potential of <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g the success of Limassol Mar<strong>in</strong>a, more <strong>in</strong>vestment has flowed <strong>in</strong>to mar<strong>in</strong>a<br />
developments on the Cypriot coast. The €300 million luxury Ayia Napa Mar<strong>in</strong>a is under<br />
construction with berth<strong>in</strong>g facilities and a commercial village now fully operational.<br />
The mar<strong>in</strong>a offers capacity for 600 yachts of up to 60 metres, a shipyard, and a range of
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
31<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
luxury villas, apartments and facilities. With significant Egyptian <strong>in</strong>vestment back<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the <strong>in</strong>novative project and the seafront residences are expected to be completed by<br />
2023. In addition, the €110 million Paralimni Mar<strong>in</strong>a project is set to be completed <strong>in</strong><br />
2024, while a tender was signed <strong>in</strong> August 2021 with Deloitte Ltd and Triton Consult<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eers SA for a luxury mar<strong>in</strong>a <strong>in</strong> Paphos.<br />
Major <strong>in</strong>vestments have also been made <strong>in</strong> the hospitality <strong>in</strong>dustry with acquisitions<br />
and the construction of new luxury hotels by renowned hotel management cha<strong>in</strong>s. The<br />
Radisson Hotel Group, one of the largest and most dynamic hotel groups <strong>in</strong> the world,<br />
has big plans to grow its exist<strong>in</strong>g portfolio <strong>in</strong> the country to six hotels and almost 1,000<br />
rooms by 2025, one of which is the Radisson Larnaca Beach Resort, the very first beach<br />
resort by the Radisson Hotel Group worldwide.<br />
In 2019, the Luxury Collection, part of Marriott International, opened the Parklane<br />
Luxury Collection Resort & Spa resort <strong>in</strong> Limassol, mark<strong>in</strong>g Marriott International’s<br />
entry <strong>in</strong>to <strong>Cyprus</strong>. In July 2020, Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a management<br />
agreement with Anolia Hold<strong>in</strong>gs Limited for the launch of the first Hyatt hotel <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
The 300-room luxury resort Grand Hyatt Limassol is expected to open <strong>in</strong> 2025. The<br />
new beachfront resort will also be a key element of Zaria Resort, a mixed-use luxury<br />
development, comprised of residential apartments and private villas totall<strong>in</strong>g more<br />
than 80,000 m 2 . One of the latest projects is the Sofitel Resort & Spa, a jo<strong>in</strong>t venture<br />
between S<strong>in</strong>gapore-headquartered Oxley Hold<strong>in</strong>gs and Planetvision on the Limassol<br />
beachfront. The project will be the first Sofitel Resort with branded residences <strong>in</strong><br />
Europe and is expected to be completed by 2023.<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g global trends and faced with an ag<strong>in</strong>g population, <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> health and<br />
wellness developments as well as rehabilitation and bespoke retirement villages has<br />
enormous potential. An early example of this is the Eden Seniors Resort <strong>in</strong> Larnaca<br />
which opened its doors <strong>in</strong> 2018. Paphos is due to see the first dedicated retirement<br />
village <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The €16 million retirement village, branded Lazaris Mill, will consist<br />
of 82 <strong>in</strong>dividual apartments, rang<strong>in</strong>g from studios to larger flats and a small 24-<br />
room hotel, and provide bespoke facilities. The first residents are expected <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
2023. Another upcom<strong>in</strong>g project <strong>in</strong> Paphos is Cypress Park, a new luxury residential<br />
development turn<strong>in</strong>g retirement <strong>in</strong>to a five-star resort stay.<br />
FOCUS ON INVESTOR SUPPORT<br />
Not one to rest on its laurels, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been steadily sharpen<strong>in</strong>g its competitive<br />
edge by streaml<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g processes to better cater to <strong>in</strong>vestors and by strengthen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
new sectors to support its already more established <strong>in</strong>dustries.<br />
Investment opportunities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ large-scale projects span various sectors,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g high-value tourism and hous<strong>in</strong>g developments, projects with a special focus<br />
on golf courses and luxury mar<strong>in</strong>as, as well as education, energy, and more lately, the<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational film sector.<br />
Special schemes and <strong>in</strong>centives are<br />
<strong>in</strong> place to facilitate headquarter<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
which covers the sectors of technology,<br />
asset management, <strong>in</strong>vestment funds,<br />
550 COMPANIES<br />
shipp<strong>in</strong>g and higher education, and<br />
‘Olivewood’ for the <strong>in</strong>ternational film that have relocated or expanded<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry. A new government Action<br />
their activities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Plan launched <strong>in</strong> 2021 also provides<br />
Ithe BFU has catered to more than
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
new <strong>in</strong>centives to attract non-EU talent<br />
and companies to establish operations<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The recent <strong>in</strong>troduction of a<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Facilitation Unit (BFU) promises<br />
to be a gamechanger for ease of sett<strong>in</strong>g<br />
up <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The BFU specialises <strong>in</strong> fasttrack<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess setup, permitt<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
licens<strong>in</strong>g for companies, their employees<br />
and families, and <strong>in</strong> less than two years of<br />
operation, the BFU has catered to more<br />
than 550 companies that have relocated<br />
or expanded their activities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
To better facilitate FDI, the country’s<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment promotion agency, Invest<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>, has also developed an onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment matchmak<strong>in</strong>g platform<br />
branded the Project Bank, to help<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestors identify the right market<br />
opportunities for projects based <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>. In addition, Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong> hosts<br />
the annual International Investment<br />
Awards, where it honoured seven companies <strong>in</strong> 2022 for their contributions to <strong>Cyprus</strong>,<br />
namely Bra<strong>in</strong>Rocket, ECOMMBX, CVC, TheSoul Publish<strong>in</strong>g, Murex, Medicover and<br />
SYKES.<br />
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ liberalised FDI Policy, both for EU citizens and <strong>in</strong>vestors from third countries,<br />
along with its favourable tax regime makes it one of the most attractive <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
targets <strong>in</strong> Europe. At 12.5% <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ corporate tax rate is one of the most competitive <strong>in</strong><br />
the EU and new tax-neutral reforms that are on the way will simplify and modernise<br />
the tax system further. The country’s extensive network of double taxation treaties<br />
with 67 countries have strengthened its position as a bus<strong>in</strong>ess gateway and a preferred<br />
location for corporate headquarters. The country’s skilled talent, low cost of do<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess, top-tier professional services, and high quality of life renders <strong>Cyprus</strong> not only<br />
a wise bus<strong>in</strong>ess and <strong>in</strong>vestment choice but also a great relocation dest<strong>in</strong>ation. n<br />
With solid and cont<strong>in</strong>uous <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the tourism sector, Invest<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> has set up a dedicated and specialised unit, TourInvest, to<br />
promote <strong>in</strong>vestment opportunities <strong>in</strong> the tourism and hospitality<br />
sector. In cooperation with the Deputy M<strong>in</strong>istry of Tourism and<br />
other stakeholders, the unit focuses on attract<strong>in</strong>g multimillioneuro<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>to large-scale <strong>in</strong>frastructure projects
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
CYPRUS-SAUDI ARABIA RELATIONS<br />
T<br />
he bilateral ties between <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia have been grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
closer <strong>in</strong> recent years through constant reciprocal high-level visits and<br />
with several agreements <strong>in</strong> various fields under revision to further boost<br />
relations and to enhance cooperation.<br />
Relations between the two countries progressed <strong>in</strong> 2015 with the<br />
establishment of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Embassy <strong>in</strong> Riyadh, followed by the<br />
establishment of the <strong>Saudi</strong> Embassy <strong>in</strong> Nicosia three years later. In<br />
addition, the formation of the <strong>Cyprus</strong>-<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia Friendship Group<br />
<strong>in</strong> the House of Representatives of <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia-<strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Friendship Group <strong>in</strong> the Majlis Al Shura, as well as the creation of the<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>-<strong>Saudi</strong> <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Association have fostered closer ties between the<br />
two countries. Similarly, The Federation of <strong>Saudi</strong> Chambers of Commerce<br />
and the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce recently signed a cooperation<br />
agreement to establish a <strong>Saudi</strong>-Cypriot <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Council to further<br />
enhance their bus<strong>in</strong>ess l<strong>in</strong>ks.<br />
The relationship is firmly set on a new trajectory of growth and<br />
enhanced engagement to facilitate jo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong>itiatives and <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong><br />
various fields, such as civil aviation, energy, maritime and air transport,<br />
ports, food, medic<strong>in</strong>e, digitalisation, cyber security and f<strong>in</strong>ancial services.<br />
Significant potential exists for both countries to enjoy sizable benefits<br />
from bilateral alliances. In this regard, the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the<br />
K<strong>in</strong>gdom of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia are work<strong>in</strong>g together towards promot<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
series of bilateral trade and <strong>in</strong>vestment agreements. Another example of<br />
recent collaboration came <strong>in</strong> 2022, with telecommunications companies<br />
from <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia becom<strong>in</strong>g parties of the East Med Corridor<br />
(EMC), an undersea data cable of geostrategic importance, which will start<br />
<strong>in</strong> S<strong>in</strong>gapore, pass through <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia, Israel, <strong>Cyprus</strong> and Greece and<br />
end <strong>in</strong> Italy and France. In addition, Arabsat – a global leader <strong>in</strong> satellite<br />
services – has already <strong>in</strong>vested heavily <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> through Hellas Sat.<br />
At the crossroads of Europe, North Africa and Asia and be<strong>in</strong>g the closest<br />
EU country to <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia, <strong>Cyprus</strong> can serve as an ideal location for <strong>Saudi</strong><br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses to establish their European and <strong>in</strong>ternational headquarters.<br />
The island’s new <strong>in</strong>centives for third country nationals, its EU status and<br />
first-class services offer many opportunities for <strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
The two countries have also adopted national long-term visions that<br />
aspire to better address current and future challenges and to safeguard<br />
growth for the wider region. These are reflected <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ Vision 2035<br />
and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia’s Vision 2030 respectively, which <strong>in</strong>clude unprecedented<br />
reforms and promote more susta<strong>in</strong>able and open economies. These<br />
national frameworks offer vast scope for strengthen<strong>in</strong>g political and<br />
economic cooperation, and particularly <strong>in</strong> the energy sector. <strong>Cyprus</strong> and<br />
the Eastern Mediterranean is likely to play a role <strong>in</strong> the EU’s hydrogen<br />
strategy, and <strong>Saudi</strong> entities may also participate <strong>in</strong> the advanc<strong>in</strong>g of the<br />
energy transition <strong>in</strong> the East Med and towards the expansion of renewable<br />
energies and electricity <strong>in</strong>terconnection.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
INSIGHT<br />
M<strong>in</strong>ister of Foreign Affairs<br />
Ioannis Kasoulides
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35<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia have recently placed<br />
strong focus on further strengthen<strong>in</strong>g their bilateral<br />
relations. What are the key pillars that form this<br />
diplomatic relationship and how do you see this<br />
bilateral partnership develop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the future?<br />
C<br />
yprus views <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia as one of its key strategic partners <strong>in</strong> our wider region and<br />
I am particularly happy to note that, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic –<br />
and more recently by the war <strong>in</strong> Ukra<strong>in</strong>e – our relations and cooperation grew stronger<br />
<strong>in</strong> a number of fields.<br />
Fundamental <strong>in</strong>gredients of this relationship are our shared values and strong<br />
commitment on the core pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of <strong>in</strong>ternational law, on a rules-based <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
order, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the law of the sea and our across-the-board respect of the pr<strong>in</strong>ciples<br />
of sovereignty and territorial <strong>in</strong>tegrity. These are non-negotiable pr<strong>in</strong>ciples for both<br />
countries.<br />
The official visit of President Anastasiades last March, who I had the privilege to<br />
accompany, the exchange of visits of other high officials and the well awaited visit of<br />
HRH the Crown Pr<strong>in</strong>ce to <strong>Cyprus</strong>, are good <strong>in</strong>dicators of a steadily grow<strong>in</strong>g and more<br />
mature, cooperative and results-oriented bilateral relationship. The Jo<strong>in</strong>t Statement,<br />
which was adopted follow<strong>in</strong>g the President’s visit, states the strong commitment of<br />
the two countries for bilateral cooperation and multilateral coord<strong>in</strong>ation and the<br />
will<strong>in</strong>gness to contribute to regional and <strong>in</strong>ternational security and stability. It also<br />
serves as a roadmap of our partnership <strong>in</strong> many fields. Towards this end, we aim to<br />
create a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Framework, focus<strong>in</strong>g on key doma<strong>in</strong>s<br />
of economic cooperation, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ter alia tourism, digital cooperation, shipp<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
energy, culture and education.<br />
Hav<strong>in</strong>g said that, our cooperation is already materialis<strong>in</strong>g, produc<strong>in</strong>g concrete and<br />
tangible results. <strong>Cyprus</strong> was among the first countries to declare its support to the<br />
K<strong>in</strong>gdom’s candidacy for EXPO2030; we were the first EU Member State to become a<br />
member of the Digital Cooperation Organization launched by the K<strong>in</strong>gdom of <strong>Saudi</strong><br />
Arabia last year to strengthen cooperation across <strong>in</strong>novation-driven sectors and<br />
accelerate the growth of the digital economies of its members; and more recently,<br />
telecommunications companies from <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia became parties of the<br />
East Med Corridor (EMC), an undersea data cable of geostrategic importance, which<br />
will start <strong>in</strong> S<strong>in</strong>gapore, pass through <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia, Israel, <strong>Cyprus</strong> and Greece and end <strong>in</strong><br />
Italy and France.<br />
In addition, both <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia have adopted national long-term visions<br />
that aspire to unlock their potential and opportunities, to better address current and<br />
future challenges and to safeguard growth and prosperity for our people and for our<br />
wider common region. These are reflected <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ Vision 2035 and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia’s<br />
Vision 2030 respectively, which <strong>in</strong>clude unprecedented reforms and promote more<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able and open economies. I firmly believe that these provide a vast scope for<br />
strengthen<strong>in</strong>g our political and economic cooperation even further and I am confident<br />
that <strong>in</strong> the years to come, this cooperation will have a direct positive impact on our<br />
peoples. n
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
INTERVIEW<br />
Ambassador of the K<strong>in</strong>gdom of <strong>Saudi</strong><br />
Arabia to the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Khaled<br />
Mohammed<br />
Alsharif<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia and <strong>Cyprus</strong> have made headway <strong>in</strong><br />
deepen<strong>in</strong>g their bilateral relations with a focus to<br />
<strong>in</strong>tensify cooperation between the two countries <strong>in</strong><br />
various fields such as economy, energy, susta<strong>in</strong>ability<br />
and tourism, says Khaled Mohammed Alsharif.
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37<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia and <strong>Cyprus</strong> have recently made great efforts<br />
to expand their relationship, how would you describe the<br />
current bilateral relations between the two nations?<br />
Bilateral ties between the two countries were progressed <strong>in</strong> 2015 when the <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Embassy <strong>in</strong> Riyadh was first established followed by the establishment of the <strong>Saudi</strong><br />
Embassy <strong>in</strong> Nicosia three years later. Furthermore, we also had the formation of the<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>-<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia Friendship Group <strong>in</strong> the House of Representatives of <strong>Cyprus</strong> and<br />
the <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia-<strong>Cyprus</strong> Friendship Group <strong>in</strong> the Majlis Al Shura. S<strong>in</strong>ce then, several<br />
memorandums of cooperation and agreements are under revision to further boost ties<br />
between the two countries <strong>in</strong> various fields. Last year <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia had their<br />
first meet<strong>in</strong>g for political dialogue that was held <strong>in</strong> our capital, Riyadh. The friendly and<br />
mutually reward<strong>in</strong>g bilateral relationship between <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia and <strong>Cyprus</strong> has grown<br />
considerably over the last years, and both countries are ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g an excellent state<br />
of friendship with enhanced cooperation.<br />
Are there significant projects or <strong>in</strong>itiatives between <strong>Saudi</strong><br />
Arabia and <strong>Cyprus</strong> at the moment, and what k<strong>in</strong>d of<br />
cooperation would you like to see developed <strong>in</strong> the future?<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the recent visit of the President of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Nicos Anastasiades to the K<strong>in</strong>gdom<br />
of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia official talks were held with Crown Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Mohammed b<strong>in</strong> Salman<br />
b<strong>in</strong> Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister and M<strong>in</strong>ister of Defence, <strong>in</strong> order to<br />
review all aspects of bilateral relations as well as to enhance and <strong>in</strong>tensify cooperation<br />
between the two countries <strong>in</strong> various fields such as economy, energy, susta<strong>in</strong>ability<br />
and tourism.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> is a strong <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess centre<br />
and EU base for cross-border operations. It is also<br />
the closest EU member to <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia. What<br />
opportunities does this provide specifically to <strong>Saudi</strong><br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess and what advantages does <strong>Cyprus</strong> offer<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia to facilitate more trade and bus<strong>in</strong>ess?<br />
I<br />
t is true that due to its geographical location <strong>Cyprus</strong> is a strong <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
centre and EU base for cross-border operations. It is also the closest EU country to<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia and an attractive dest<strong>in</strong>ation for foreign direct <strong>in</strong>vestment as well as for
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38<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses to establish their European and International headquarters. Additionally,<br />
the <strong>Cyprus</strong>-<strong>Saudi</strong> <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Association that has been <strong>in</strong>itiated <strong>in</strong> October 2020 under<br />
the auspices of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce aims to create new opportunities for<br />
partnership between bus<strong>in</strong>esspeople <strong>in</strong> both countries as well as further strengthen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the bus<strong>in</strong>ess relations by operat<strong>in</strong>g as a bridge between <strong>Saudi</strong> and <strong>Cyprus</strong>. It’s an<br />
official platform that mutually benefits economic and trade relations. Similarly, The<br />
Federation of <strong>Saudi</strong> Chambers of Commerce and the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce<br />
recently signed a cooperation agreement to establish a <strong>Saudi</strong>-Cypriot <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Council<br />
to further enhance our bus<strong>in</strong>ess bond.<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia’s Green Initiative is part of the K<strong>in</strong>gdom’s<br />
Vision 2030, what k<strong>in</strong>d of strategic trade and <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
opportunities are emerg<strong>in</strong>g from this new vision?<br />
The <strong>Saudi</strong> government has an ambitious plan to steer the K<strong>in</strong>gdom away from its<br />
dependence on oil. <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia’s Crown Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Mohammed b<strong>in</strong> Salman has<br />
announced the <strong>Saudi</strong> Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, which are<br />
programmes that aim to reduce carbon emissions by 60% and plant 50 billion trees <strong>in</strong><br />
the region. The K<strong>in</strong>gdom fully recognises its share of responsibility <strong>in</strong> advanc<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
efforts aga<strong>in</strong>st the climate crisis by lead<strong>in</strong>g the world’s largest afforestation project.<br />
Be<strong>in</strong>g a leader <strong>in</strong> the energy markets<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the oil and gas era, the K<strong>in</strong>gdom<br />
aims to become a global leader <strong>in</strong> forg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a greener world, which is a strategic<br />
target <strong>in</strong> <strong>Saudi</strong>’s Vision 2030. The Crown<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>ce’s Vision 2030 is a social and<br />
economic strategic reform project laid by<br />
the K<strong>in</strong>gdom of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia to diversify<br />
IThe friendly and mutually<br />
reward<strong>in</strong>g bilateral relationship<br />
between <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia and<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> has grown considerably<br />
over the last years
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39<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
the nation’s economy and to stimulate<br />
numerous changes <strong>in</strong> its social and<br />
economic sectors, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g healthcare.<br />
Moreover, it is built on three pillars – a<br />
vibrant society, a thriv<strong>in</strong>g economy and<br />
an ambitious nation. A vibrant society<br />
is vital to achiev<strong>in</strong>g the Vision and<br />
establish<strong>in</strong>g a strong foundation for<br />
economic prosperity. The K<strong>in</strong>gdom’s goal<br />
is to create a society <strong>in</strong> which every citizen<br />
IBe<strong>in</strong>g a leader <strong>in</strong> the energy<br />
markets dur<strong>in</strong>g the oil and gas era,<br />
the K<strong>in</strong>gdom aims to become a<br />
global leader <strong>in</strong> forg<strong>in</strong>g a greener<br />
world, which is a strategic<br />
target <strong>in</strong> <strong>Saudi</strong>’s Vision 2030<br />
enjoys a happy, fulfill<strong>in</strong>g lifestyle complemented by a standard of liv<strong>in</strong>g which provides<br />
a safe and secure environment for families, and access to world class healthcare and<br />
education. Secondly, a thriv<strong>in</strong>g economy provides opportunities for all by build<strong>in</strong>g an<br />
education system aligned with market needs to offer the young people the skills for<br />
the jobs of the future, and creat<strong>in</strong>g economic opportunities for entrepreneurs, small<br />
enterprises and large corporations. Lastly, an ambitious nation applies efficiency and<br />
responsibility at all levels <strong>in</strong> order to deliver the Vision efficiently.<br />
What sectors or what type of projects <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> could<br />
be attractive for direct <strong>in</strong>vestment from <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia?<br />
Several sectors and a variety of projects <strong>in</strong> a number of fields <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> could be<br />
attractive for direct <strong>in</strong>vestment from <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia, and we are happy to see that<br />
Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong>, the National Investment Promotion Authority of <strong>Cyprus</strong>, was part of the<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Forum organised by the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce and Industry <strong>in</strong> Jeddah<br />
and Riyadh earlier <strong>in</strong> June. A number of meet<strong>in</strong>gs were conducted with the M<strong>in</strong>istry of<br />
Investment of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia to explore various options to strengthen bilateral relations<br />
and mutually beneficial cooperation between both countries.<br />
How do you see <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia-<strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
relations develop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the future?<br />
The progress <strong>in</strong> the expand<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
ISeveral sectors and a variety of<br />
relations between our countries<br />
<strong>in</strong> recent years allows us to be projects <strong>in</strong> a number of fields <strong>in</strong><br />
particularly optimistic about the further<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> could be attractive for direct<br />
strengthen<strong>in</strong>g of our friendship and<br />
cooperation <strong>in</strong> the future. I am confident <strong>in</strong>vestment from <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia<br />
that together we can achieve much for<br />
our people and the region, contribut<strong>in</strong>g together to stability, security and prosperity. n
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40<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
INTERVIEW<br />
Ambassador of the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
to the K<strong>in</strong>gdom of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia<br />
Stavros<br />
Avgoustides
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia have witnessed significant<br />
momentum <strong>in</strong> strategic bilateral and multilateral<br />
relations, both politically and economically.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> is a high-growth market which offers<br />
significant opportunities for <strong>Saudi</strong> companies and<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestors across a range of sectors such as tourism,<br />
technology and energy, says Stavros Avgoustides.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia have actively been deepen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
their ties <strong>in</strong> recent years, how would you describe the<br />
current bilateral relations between the two nations?<br />
The canvas of our engagement looks very different from what it was three or<br />
four years ago. It is now firmly set on a new trajectory of growth and enhanced<br />
engagement. Together with the K<strong>in</strong>gdom of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia, we are build<strong>in</strong>g a relationship<br />
based on mutual trust, respect, and a common vision. The vision of peace, stability and<br />
prosperity for our two peoples and the region.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia have a similar m<strong>in</strong>dset and share the same goals and<br />
aspirations as nations <strong>in</strong> the regional and <strong>in</strong>ternational sphere. The pandemic, and<br />
current events rem<strong>in</strong>d us how <strong>in</strong>terdependent we are, and why we need to strengthen<br />
our multiple partnerships to face an <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly competitive <strong>in</strong>ternational and<br />
regional environment.<br />
Our people-to-people relations and trust has been cont<strong>in</strong>uously strengthened<br />
through constant reciprocal high-level visits. Indeed, despite the disruptions <strong>in</strong><br />
engagements due to the Covid situation over the last two years, the rhythm of highlevel<br />
contacts has been ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed. The visit of HE the President of the Republic of<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> to the K<strong>in</strong>gdom, and the reciprocal visit to <strong>Cyprus</strong> of HRH the Crown Pr<strong>in</strong>ce, as<br />
well as the exchange of visits of a good number of high officials from both countries, are<br />
testament to how far the relationship has matured.<br />
When it comes to bilateral agreements and memoranda, we are <strong>in</strong> favour of ‘quality’<br />
over ‘quantity’. The idea is to grow people-to-people relations through bus<strong>in</strong>ess,<br />
educational, and cultural exchanges. We are now focus<strong>in</strong>g on specific areas that will<br />
potentially have a direct positive impact on the two peoples and societies.
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42<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
What k<strong>in</strong>d of jo<strong>in</strong>t projects or <strong>in</strong>itiatives do the two<br />
countries participate <strong>in</strong> at the moment, and what new<br />
prospects are there to <strong>in</strong>crease economic cooperation?<br />
As previously mentioned, we have witnessed a significant momentum <strong>in</strong> our strategic<br />
bilateral and multilateral relations, both political and economic. Despite the<br />
limitations caused by the pandemic, Riyadh and Jeddah Chamber <strong>in</strong> collaboration with<br />
the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised last June the first of <strong>Cyprus</strong>-<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Forums <strong>in</strong> the two <strong>Saudi</strong> cities. These events and ones to follow are great<br />
testament to the grow<strong>in</strong>g strength of <strong>Cyprus</strong>-<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia relations and provide a unique<br />
opportunity for entrepreneurs and members of the bus<strong>in</strong>ess community from both<br />
friendly countries to learn more about the advantages of these attractive <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ations and to hear about the prospects and the current market opportunities.<br />
Indeed, bus<strong>in</strong>esses from both countries use these forums to forge networks as well as<br />
engage <strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess-to-bus<strong>in</strong>ess transactions. We are work<strong>in</strong>g together with the bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
people of both countries and are explor<strong>in</strong>g new avenues and opportunities for bilateral<br />
trade and <strong>in</strong>vestments. As previously mentioned, we see it more as people-to-people<br />
<strong>in</strong>teractions. Our Embassy encourages bus<strong>in</strong>esses from <strong>Cyprus</strong> to expand their footpr<strong>in</strong>t<br />
<strong>in</strong> the K<strong>in</strong>gdom and start build<strong>in</strong>g relationships with their <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabian counterparts.<br />
The K<strong>in</strong>gdom of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia is undergo<strong>in</strong>g significant changes, economically<br />
and socially. Indeed, the ongo<strong>in</strong>g reforms have led to a significant <strong>in</strong>crease of FDIs <strong>in</strong><br />
the K<strong>in</strong>gdom. Indeed, the results of the Vision 2030 are evident <strong>in</strong> our daily lives and<br />
<strong>in</strong>teractions. The positive state of our bilateral relations offers a unique opportunity<br />
to build momentum to deepen economic ties <strong>in</strong> this longstand<strong>in</strong>g and endur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
partnership. Deepen<strong>in</strong>g the economic relationship would pay dividends <strong>in</strong> other areas<br />
as well, translat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to greater opportunities for strategic bilateral cooperation.<br />
The production of mutually beneficial results will demand time, resources, and<br />
political capital. <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia would benefit from a closer and stronger trade<br />
and foreign direct <strong>in</strong>vestment relationship that would amplify growth and prosperity,<br />
<strong>in</strong> both the short and long term. This<br />
is why we have applauded the creation<br />
of the <strong>Cyprus</strong>-<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong><br />
Association, which itself supports the<br />
concrete steps that need to be taken<br />
toward deepen<strong>in</strong>g the commercial/<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess relationship between our two<br />
countries. Moreover, it is with great<br />
pleasure that we recently witnessed<br />
the sign<strong>in</strong>g of the creation of the <strong>Saudi</strong>-<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Council, which will<br />
<strong>in</strong>volve bus<strong>in</strong>ess people from both<br />
countries, and we are confident it will<br />
create a mutually beneficial framework to<br />
foster the bilateral flow of goods, services,<br />
and <strong>in</strong>vestments.<br />
IThe positive state of our<br />
bilateral relations offers a<br />
unique opportunity to build<br />
momentum to deepen economic<br />
ties <strong>in</strong> this longstand<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
endur<strong>in</strong>g partnership. Deepen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the economic relationship<br />
would pay dividends <strong>in</strong> other<br />
areas as well, translat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>to greater opportunities for<br />
strategic bilateral cooperation
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<strong>Cyprus</strong> is a strong regional hub and EU base<br />
for <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess and offers many<br />
advantages for companies engaged <strong>in</strong> crossborder<br />
activities, what advantages does <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
offer specifically to <strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess?<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses and <strong>in</strong>vestors do not differ from other <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>esses.<br />
They seek a safe, stable and trustworthy service-oriented bus<strong>in</strong>ess environment.<br />
That’s why many <strong>in</strong>ternational companies from different sectors have already chosen<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> as the location for their regional headquarters.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> provides an element of political and economic stability, an excellent quality<br />
of life and an efficient and productive labour force. All these create a competent and<br />
conducive bus<strong>in</strong>ess environment. Concurrently, <strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses can use <strong>Cyprus</strong> as a<br />
convenient entry po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong>to the EU marketplace, a bridge for expand<strong>in</strong>g their bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
networks and seek new opportunities.<br />
What sectors or niche segments <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> do<br />
you th<strong>in</strong>k have untapped potential <strong>in</strong> terms of<br />
attract<strong>in</strong>g direct <strong>in</strong>vestment from <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia?<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> is a high-growth market which offers significant opportunities for <strong>Saudi</strong><br />
companies and <strong>in</strong>vestors across a range of sectors. To this end, I would like to<br />
particularly highlight the importance of the Jo<strong>in</strong>t Statement issued follow<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
President’s recent visit to Riyadh [1/3/2022], which signifies <strong>in</strong>ter alia our will<strong>in</strong>gness<br />
to push further the enhancement of our bilateral relations, towards their elevation to<br />
a full-fledged strategic cooperation.<br />
In the Jo<strong>in</strong>t Statement, which we envision to use as a road map <strong>in</strong> our bilateral<br />
relations, special emphasis is given <strong>in</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> areas such as tourism, high-tech and<br />
digital economy, education, maritime and energy sectors. More specifically <strong>in</strong> the<br />
energy sector, it is our strong belief that <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the Eastern Mediterranean will<br />
potentially play a role <strong>in</strong> the EU’s hydrogen strategy. <strong>Saudi</strong> entities may also participate<br />
<strong>in</strong> the advanc<strong>in</strong>g of the energy transition <strong>in</strong> the East Mediterranean and towards the<br />
expansion of renewable energies and electricity <strong>in</strong>terconnection.<br />
Long term, <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia also has<br />
promis<strong>in</strong>g potential for support<strong>in</strong>g<br />
EU’s hydrogen strategy through <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
and the Eastern Mediterranean. <strong>Saudi</strong><br />
Arabia <strong>in</strong>spires and will become <strong>in</strong> the<br />
com<strong>in</strong>g years the biggest producer of<br />
the clean energy source. <strong>Cyprus</strong> can act<br />
as an ‘energy bridge’ <strong>in</strong>terconnect<strong>in</strong>g<br />
I<strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses can use <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
as a convenient entry po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the EU marketplace, a bridge for<br />
expand<strong>in</strong>g their bus<strong>in</strong>ess networks<br />
and seek new opportunities
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
the biggest hydrogen production plant,<br />
currently under construction <strong>in</strong> the<br />
planned city of Neom on the Red Sea<br />
coast, with Europe.<br />
How do you see the<br />
relationship between<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia and <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
develop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the future?<br />
We need to cont<strong>in</strong>ue on a step-bystep<br />
approach; by sett<strong>in</strong>g viable<br />
goals <strong>in</strong> our bilateral relations. As for<br />
our more immediate goals, establish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
direct air connectivity rema<strong>in</strong>s a strong<br />
priority for both countries, and we<br />
I<strong>Cyprus</strong> provides an element<br />
of political and economic<br />
stability, an excellent quality<br />
of life and an efficient and<br />
productive labour force. All<br />
these create a competent<br />
and conducive bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
environment. Concurrently,<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses can use<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> as a convenient entry<br />
po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong>to the EU marketplace,<br />
a bridge for expand<strong>in</strong>g their<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess networks and<br />
seek new opportunities<br />
strongly believe direct flights are a game<br />
changer for better relations. The production of mutually beneficial and viable results<br />
<strong>in</strong> our bilateral relations will demand time, resources, and political capital, but the<br />
future is bright. n
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SPOTLIGHT<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Real Estate<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> real estate <strong>in</strong>dustry has proven its resilience<br />
with 2022 so far exhibit<strong>in</strong>g dynamic momentum <strong>in</strong> the<br />
sector underl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g strong confidence of both Cypriot<br />
and foreign property buyers. First quarter sales reached<br />
€1.3 billion, with coastal bus<strong>in</strong>ess hub Limassol and<br />
capital city Nicosia tak<strong>in</strong>g the lion’s share of contracts.
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C<br />
yprus has long been a firm favourite for property buyers worldwide thanks to its<br />
high quality of life, safe environment and Mediterranean climate. In addition, the<br />
country’s EU membership, its thriv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess centre and strategic<br />
position at the crossroads of three cont<strong>in</strong>ents rema<strong>in</strong> key pull-factors for residential<br />
buyers, relocat<strong>in</strong>g companies and <strong>in</strong>vestors alike.<br />
Property sales have bounced back post-pandemic and have rema<strong>in</strong>ed strong <strong>in</strong> the<br />
last year. In the second quarter of 2022 real estate sales <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> rose year on year by a<br />
robust 29.3%. This was slower than the 51.6% recorded <strong>in</strong> the first quarter and analysts<br />
say this is likely related to the end of lend<strong>in</strong>g subsidies for first-time buyers. In terms of<br />
absolute volume, the largest <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> sales was <strong>in</strong> Limassol, where sales rose by 293<br />
to 1,130, mark<strong>in</strong>g a year-on-year <strong>in</strong>crease of 35%. However, the fastest pace of growth<br />
was <strong>in</strong> Paphos, where sales rose by 229 or 54.1% to 652.<br />
Sales to Cypriots cont<strong>in</strong>ue to dom<strong>in</strong>ate, account<strong>in</strong>g for 58.5% of the total <strong>in</strong> the<br />
second quarter of 2022 and 58% on average <strong>in</strong> the first half of 2022. This was lower<br />
than <strong>in</strong> 2020-21, when sales to Cypriots averaged 65%. However, the years 2021-22<br />
were somewhat unusual given pandemic-related travel restrictions. In 2018-19 the<br />
proportion of sales to Cypriots was 55%, therefore closer to the average <strong>in</strong> the first half<br />
of 2022. Sales to Cypriots are driven both by the abovementioned subsidies but also<br />
growth <strong>in</strong> population size. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the latest Labour Force Survey the number of<br />
private households rose year on year by 1.4% <strong>in</strong> the first quarter of 2022 to 347,650.<br />
REAL ESTATE SALES BY REGION<br />
Contracts of sale unless otherwise <strong>in</strong>dicated<br />
2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2022 Q1 2022 Q2<br />
Nicosia 690 632 856 673 705<br />
% change year on year 118.4 4.8 37.8 4.2 2.2<br />
Limassol 837 825 1,118 1,019 1,130<br />
% change year on year 116.8 17.9 32.2 82.3 35.0<br />
Larnaca 396 422 541 512 610<br />
% change year on year 106.3 26.0 35.9 62.5 54.0<br />
Famagusta 170 181 211 152 157<br />
% change year on year 80.9 14.6 8.8 16.9 -7.6<br />
Paphos 423 442 618 653 652<br />
% change year on year 44.4 17.6 32.9 94.9 54.1<br />
All <strong>Cyprus</strong> 2,516 2,502 3,344 3,009 3,254<br />
% change year on year 96.4 15.2 32.5 51.6 29.3<br />
Source: Department of Lands and Surveys. © Sapienta Economics Ltd.
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CYPRIOT AND NON-CYPRIOT PROPERTY SALES<br />
Number of contracts 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2022 Q1 2022 Q2<br />
Cypriot contracts 1,663 1,602 1,992 1,732 1,903<br />
EU contracts 421 459 696 628 625<br />
Non-EU contracts 432 441 656 649 726<br />
Total contracts 2,516 2,502 3,344 3,009 3,254<br />
% change over same period of previous year<br />
Cypriot contracts 117.7 10.9 20.1 23.8 14.4<br />
EU contracts 182.6 35.8 89.6 141.5 48.5<br />
Non-EU contracts 17.4 13.1 31.5 99.1 68.1<br />
Total contracts 96.4 15.2 32.5 51.6 29.3<br />
Source: Department of Lands and Surveys. © Sapienta Economics Ltd.<br />
PROPERTY PRICE INDICATORS SHOW INCREASE IN PRICES<br />
G<br />
iven the strength of sales, it is not surpris<strong>in</strong>g that the various <strong>in</strong>dices for<br />
residential property prices po<strong>in</strong>t to ris<strong>in</strong>g property prices, even though the<br />
degree of <strong>in</strong>crease differs depend<strong>in</strong>g on the <strong>in</strong>dex. The Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong>dex,<br />
which is based on a large sample of valuations, reports a year-on-year <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong><br />
prices of 3.2% <strong>in</strong> the first quarter of 2022, compared with 2.6% <strong>in</strong> the fourth quarter<br />
of 2021. This is the fastest pace of growth s<strong>in</strong>ce 2008 accord<strong>in</strong>g to the Central Bank<br />
<strong>in</strong>dex.<br />
The <strong>in</strong>dex prepared by the Statistical Service, Cystat, which is based on a smaller<br />
sample of actual sales, reports an <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> prices of 1.1% <strong>in</strong> the first quarter of 2022,<br />
compared with a fairly sharp decl<strong>in</strong>e of 5.1% <strong>in</strong> the previous quarter. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
Central Bank <strong>in</strong>dex, apartment prices are clearly ris<strong>in</strong>g faster than those of houses,<br />
ris<strong>in</strong>g by 6.8% compared with an <strong>in</strong>crease of 1.5% for houses <strong>in</strong> the first quarter. This<br />
probably also underl<strong>in</strong>es the importance of the local residential market <strong>in</strong> property<br />
purchases, especially after the withdrawal of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Investment Programme <strong>in</strong><br />
2020.<br />
However, the Central Bank <strong>in</strong>dex shows a fairly large discrepancy by district. While<br />
apartment prices <strong>in</strong> Paphos rose by 4.0%, thanks to the abovementioned strength<br />
of sales, apartment prices <strong>in</strong> Nicosia actually decl<strong>in</strong>ed by 0.2%. Nicosia was the only<br />
district that saw a decl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> apartment prices accord<strong>in</strong>g to this <strong>in</strong>dex.
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All residential property<br />
PROPERTY PRICE INDICATORS<br />
% change over the same period of the previous year<br />
2021 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2022 Q1<br />
Cystat<br />
(hedonic, based on actual sales) -5.8 -4.8 2.5 -5.2 1.1<br />
Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
(hedonic, based on valuations) 0.9 0.3 1.2 2.6 3.2<br />
Houses<br />
Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
(hedonic, based on valuations) 0.2 -1.0 -0.3 1.0 1.5<br />
WiRE FS residential houses<br />
(proprietary methodology) 1.5 1.7 0.1 -0.5 n/a<br />
Apartments<br />
Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
(hedonic, based on valuations) 2.5 3.3 4.5 6.3 6.8<br />
WiRE FS residential apartments<br />
(proprietary methodology) 0.5 0.3 0.7 2.2 n/a<br />
Other<br />
WiRE FS holiday houses<br />
(proprietary methodology) -3.2 -3.8 -4.3 -3.7 n/a<br />
Land Registry: average unit<br />
value of parcel transfers (a) -20.5 -3.9 -21.6 17.9 31.2<br />
(a) Parcels may vary <strong>in</strong> size; Sapienta Economics calculations.<br />
Sources: Cystat; Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong>; WireFS; Department of Lands and Surveys. © Sapienta Economics Ltd.
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PROPERTY-PRICE INDICES<br />
CYPRUS PROPERTY-PRICE INDICES<br />
There are three regular property-price<br />
<strong>in</strong>dices produced <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and one which<br />
Sapienta calculates from parcel transfers.<br />
u The Cystat <strong>in</strong>dex is hedonic (adjusted for changes <strong>in</strong><br />
quality) and is based on actual sales. The Cystat <strong>in</strong>dex does<br />
not give a breakdown by region or by property type.<br />
u The Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong>dex is also hedonic but is based on bank<br />
valuations, as opposed to current sales, although recent sales are also<br />
considered <strong>in</strong> valuations. The Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong>dex gives a<br />
breakdown by region and by property type (apartments and houses).<br />
u The WiRE FS <strong>in</strong>dex, which is a fairly new <strong>in</strong>dex largely based on<br />
actual sales prices but also adjusted to consider “th<strong>in</strong> trad<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and an <strong>in</strong>herent lag <strong>in</strong> price record<strong>in</strong>g” <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. It gives a<br />
breakdown by region and property type, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g commercial<br />
property (retail, warehouses and offices). It also dist<strong>in</strong>guishes<br />
between residential and holiday houses/apartments.<br />
u Sapienta Economics also uses data from the Department of Lands<br />
and Surveys (Land Registry) to calculate the average price per unit<br />
of parcel transfers. This is not a market price, as it will <strong>in</strong>clude, for<br />
example, debt-for-property swaps by banks, and parcels may also<br />
vary <strong>in</strong> size. However, it can be an <strong>in</strong>dicator of forced acquisitions.<br />
The three public <strong>in</strong>dices give different results because of their different<br />
focus. Out of the three the Central Bank probably lags the most, as<br />
property valuations tend to be made on the basis of sales <strong>in</strong> the previous<br />
period. However, it has the advantage of be<strong>in</strong>g based on a larger data set<br />
than the Cystat <strong>in</strong>dex, especially <strong>in</strong> periods when sales are stagnant.
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PROPERTY<br />
SHOWCASE<br />
Lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Developments<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
LARNACA<br />
Blue Sky Villas<br />
Perivolia,<br />
Larnaca<br />
Type: Luxury Villas<br />
Price: Upon Request<br />
Developer: Quality Group<br />
Contact: (+357) 24 821 855<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@qualitydevelopments.com<br />
qualitygroupcyprus.com<br />
Watch: Property Video<br />
Download: Brochure
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PROPERTY SHOWCASE: Lead<strong>in</strong>g Developments <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
LARNACA<br />
Habitat Residences<br />
Mall Area,<br />
Larnaca<br />
Type: 1,2,3 bedroom apartments<br />
Price: Upon Request<br />
Developer: Quality Group<br />
Contact: (+357) 24 821 855<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@qualitydevelopments.com<br />
qualitygroupcyprus.com<br />
Watch: Property Video<br />
Download: Brochure<br />
LIMASSOL<br />
Trilogy Limassol Seafront<br />
Limassol<br />
Type: 1 to 5-bedroom<br />
apartments and penthouses<br />
Price: €510,000 - €10,500,000<br />
Developer: Cybarco<br />
Development Ltd<br />
Contact: (+357) 25 362 800<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@trilogylimassol.com<br />
Trilogylimassol.com<br />
Watch: Property Video<br />
Download: Brochure<br />
PAPHOS<br />
Akamas Bay Villas<br />
Latchi,<br />
Paphos<br />
Type: 3 and 4-bedroom<br />
beachfront villas<br />
Price: €1,390,000 - €3,000,000<br />
Developer: Cybarco<br />
Development Ltd<br />
Contact: (+357) 25 820 511<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@cybarco.com<br />
Akamasbay.com<br />
Watch: Property Video<br />
Download: Brochure
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PROPERTY SHOWCASE: Lead<strong>in</strong>g Developments <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
PAPHOS<br />
Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort<br />
Akamas,<br />
Paphos<br />
Type: Villas, 3, 4, 5 and<br />
6-bedroom villas<br />
Price: From €1,800,000 +<br />
Developer: Korant<strong>in</strong>a Homes<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@korant<strong>in</strong>ahomes.com<br />
www.korant<strong>in</strong>ahomes.com<br />
PAPHOS<br />
SOHO Resort<br />
Tourist Area,<br />
Paphos<br />
Type: Apartments on<br />
15-floor tower and Villas<br />
Price: €1,200,000 – 6,000,000<br />
Developer: Korant<strong>in</strong>a Homes<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@korant<strong>in</strong>ahomes.com<br />
www.korant<strong>in</strong>ahomes.com<br />
PAPHOS<br />
Topos Residence – Alto Design<br />
M<strong>in</strong>this,<br />
Paphos<br />
Type: 2-bedroom suites and<br />
duplexes, 3-bedroom villas,<br />
3, 4 and 5+ bedroom residences<br />
Price: From €783,000<br />
Developer: Pafilia<br />
Property Developers<br />
Contact: (+357) 26 848 800<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@pafilia.com<br />
www.m<strong>in</strong>thisresort.com<br />
Watch: Property Video<br />
Watch: Resort Video
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INSIGHT<br />
CEO, Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
George Campanellas
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia have been foster<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a closer relationship <strong>in</strong> the last few years both<br />
economically and politically. In terms of <strong>in</strong>vestment,<br />
what k<strong>in</strong>d of activity has <strong>Cyprus</strong> attracted from<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia and what type of <strong>Saudi</strong> foreign direct<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment would you like to see <strong>in</strong> the future?<br />
Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong> is committed to strengthen<strong>in</strong>g the economic and bus<strong>in</strong>ess ties<br />
between <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia. Across every level of the Cypriot government,<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia is recognised as a reliable ally contribut<strong>in</strong>g to the preservation of<br />
stability <strong>in</strong> the region. The Arabian Pen<strong>in</strong>sula was always a strategic and economic<br />
po<strong>in</strong>t of reference for <strong>Cyprus</strong>, and it is hoped that cooperation will be expanded and<br />
enhanced.<br />
As a result of its proximity, <strong>Cyprus</strong> is an ideal EU dest<strong>in</strong>ation for bus<strong>in</strong>ess owners<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g to relocate their bus<strong>in</strong>esses or establish a base <strong>in</strong> an EU jurisdiction. Of<br />
particular importance are <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ attractive tax system (<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia and <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
have a double tax treaty s<strong>in</strong>ce 2019), the high-level professional services, the low cost<br />
of liv<strong>in</strong>g compared to other European states with similar characteristics, but also<br />
the regulatory changes and <strong>in</strong>centives <strong>in</strong>tegrated <strong>in</strong>to the government’s strategy for<br />
attract<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational companies.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> can be a close, strategic and<br />
I<strong>Cyprus</strong> can be a close, strategic<br />
reliable partner for the development of<br />
the <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia Vision 2030 aimed at and reliable partner for the<br />
diversify<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>vestment model of<br />
development of the <strong>Saudi</strong><br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia. It is anticipated that there<br />
will be significant <strong>in</strong>vestments <strong>in</strong> the Arabia Vision 2030 aimed at<br />
com<strong>in</strong>g years <strong>in</strong> <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
diversify<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure projects, which create<br />
vast prospects for bilateral cooperation. model of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia<br />
Additionally, <strong>Cyprus</strong> offers excellent<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment opportunities <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustries like renewable energy, tourism and hospitality,<br />
manufactur<strong>in</strong>g, digital technology, healthcare and green development. It is worth<br />
mention<strong>in</strong>g that Arabsat, a global leader <strong>in</strong> satellite services, has already <strong>in</strong>vested<br />
heavily <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> through Hellas Sat. Also, the East Med Corridor (EMC) is another<br />
important milestone for the relations of the two countries. The EMC is a new submar<strong>in</strong>e<br />
and terrestrial cable data transmission system connect<strong>in</strong>g Europe with Asia via Greece<br />
and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia and is necessary for the global economy. The consortium comprises<br />
of MENA HUB, Telecommunication Telephony Satellite Applications (TTSA, Greece),<br />
Public Power Corporation (PPC, Greece) and Cyta (<strong>Cyprus</strong>). n
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
INCENTIVES<br />
New Government<br />
Action Plan<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> has launched a new action plan to attract foreign bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
to establish or expand their activities on the island. <strong>Cyprus</strong> already<br />
provides many competitive advantages, but this new set of <strong>in</strong>centives<br />
is geared to ramp up <strong>in</strong>terest for companies to set up headquarters<br />
<strong>in</strong> the country. The plan has taken <strong>in</strong>to account the best practices<br />
from other European countries, with emphasis on doma<strong>in</strong>s related<br />
to technology, shipp<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>novation, research and development,<br />
biogenetics and biotechnology, without exclud<strong>in</strong>g any other<br />
companies that choose <strong>Cyprus</strong> as their place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess. The new<br />
strategy which aims to promote foreign <strong>in</strong>vestment and stimulate<br />
economic activity was implemented on January 1, 2022.<br />
The Presidential Palace<br />
THE BUSINESS FACILITATION UNIT<br />
The previous Fast Track <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Activation mechanism for companies of foreign<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest has been transformed <strong>in</strong>to a <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Facilitation Unit for foreign<br />
companies operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> or for foreign companies that wish to expand their<br />
operations <strong>in</strong> the country. The new Unit is responsible for the various services required<br />
for the establishment of corporate entities:<br />
• new company name approval and registration<br />
• registration with Social Insurance and VAT authorities,<br />
and with Income Tax authorities<br />
• guidance <strong>in</strong> relation to the establishment, licens<strong>in</strong>g and operations of companies<br />
• issuance and renewal of residence and employment<br />
permits for staff employed by foreign companies
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
RESIDENCE AND EMPLOYMENT PERMITS TO HIGHLY SKILLED<br />
THIRD-COUNTRY NATIONALS AND SUPPORTING STAFF<br />
The government has revised the policy for the employment of highly skilled<br />
personnel from third countries employed by companies of foreign <strong>in</strong>terests, as well<br />
as for those employed by Cypriot companies which give added value to the economy<br />
and the local workforce.<br />
ELIGIBLE COMPANIES:<br />
• companies operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and are of foreign <strong>in</strong>terest/<br />
sharehold<strong>in</strong>g and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> fully fledged offices<br />
• <strong>Cyprus</strong> shipp<strong>in</strong>g companies<br />
• <strong>Cyprus</strong> companies <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>novation and technology<br />
• <strong>Cyprus</strong> pharmaceutical companies or companies that<br />
operate <strong>in</strong> the fields of biogenetics or biotechnology<br />
ELIGIBLE COMPANIES CAN EMPLOY HIGHLY SKILLED THIRD COUNTRY<br />
NATIONALS IN KEY POSITIONS IF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA IS MET:<br />
• a m<strong>in</strong>imum monthly gross salary of €2,500<br />
• candidate must hold a university degree or equivalent, or<br />
have a m<strong>in</strong>imum 2 years’ relevant experience<br />
• m<strong>in</strong>imum two-year contract<br />
• work permits will be issued with<strong>in</strong> a one-month<br />
period and will be valid for three years<br />
• a work permit can also be granted to the spouse of the eligible<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual that obta<strong>in</strong>s a visa with this scheme<br />
There is a maximum number of third country nationals that may be employed under<br />
this policy. Only 70% of the total number of all employees may be employed under it<br />
<strong>in</strong> a period of five years from the date of<br />
jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Facilitation Unit.<br />
Wargam<strong>in</strong>g Headquarters, Nicosia<br />
In case five years have passed and it is<br />
not possible to employ 30% of Cypriot<br />
workers, it will be re-exam<strong>in</strong>ed on a caseby-case<br />
basis.<br />
Eligible companies will also be allowed<br />
to employ third-country nationals as<br />
support staff with a gross monthly salary<br />
less than €2,500. The employment of<br />
third-country nationals as support staff<br />
is allowed, provided that it does not<br />
exceed 30% of the total support staff and<br />
provided that the third country nationals<br />
and the employers have entered <strong>in</strong>to an<br />
employment contract approved by the<br />
relevant authority <strong>in</strong> accordance with<br />
the applicable law. The amount of their<br />
salary is to be determ<strong>in</strong>ed by the current<br />
legislation.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
CASE STUDY<br />
THREE-STEP<br />
COMPANY<br />
REGISTRATION<br />
Company registration <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> is simple and<br />
efficient. This is an example of the required<br />
steps for a simple and straightforward set up <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> for a small or medium sized company.<br />
THREE EASY STEPS:<br />
1REGISTRATION OF THE COMPANY<br />
Registration must be done at the Department of Registrar of Companies<br />
and Intellectual Property. It is advised to seek professional advice and<br />
once your lawyer has filed for registration, it can be expedited and<br />
completed <strong>in</strong> one (1) bus<strong>in</strong>ess day. The adm<strong>in</strong>istrative cost is €395, lawyer’s<br />
or adm<strong>in</strong>istrative service provider’s fees not <strong>in</strong>cluded.<br />
2SUBMIT A ‘LETTER OF INTENT’<br />
A ‘Letter of Intent’ must be submitted along with the supportive<br />
documents required through email to the <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Facilitation Unit<br />
(BFU) to register the company as Company with Foreign Interests.<br />
This takes no more than seven (7) bus<strong>in</strong>ess days.<br />
3BOOK AN APPOINTMENT<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ally, you must book an appo<strong>in</strong>tment to register the company’s<br />
employees with the Civil Registry & Migration Department (CRMD).<br />
Only 3-5 employees per appo<strong>in</strong>tment, adm<strong>in</strong>istrative cost is<br />
€330 per employee, lawyer’s or adm<strong>in</strong>istrative service provider’s fees not<br />
<strong>in</strong>cluded. Once you book an appo<strong>in</strong>tment, the licence of the employee for<br />
temporary residence and employment takes 40 days to be issued.<br />
• Simply visit the book<strong>in</strong>g website. Select a convenient language<br />
option and choose: Town (Nicosia)→ Third-country nationals→<br />
Companies registered at the <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Facilitation Unit and select a date.<br />
• Regard<strong>in</strong>g the stipulations for ‘Employ<strong>in</strong>g Third-Country<br />
Nationals’ please visit this webpage of the CRMD’s website and have a<br />
look at the documents and fees.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
FAMILY REUNIFICATION RIGHTS<br />
Family reunification rights are granted to third-country nationals employed by this<br />
revised policy and regulated by the <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Facilitation Unit. Direct and free access<br />
to the labour market as paid employees is granted to spouses of the third-country<br />
nationals who have obta<strong>in</strong>ed a residence and work permit <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, through this<br />
revised policy and who receive a m<strong>in</strong>imum gross monthly salary of €2,500. This right<br />
does not extend to support<strong>in</strong>g staff who receive a monthly salary of less than €2,500.<br />
SIMPLIFICATION OF GRANTING WORK PERMITS UNDER CATEGORY E<br />
The action plan provides for the simplification and acceleration of the process of<br />
grant<strong>in</strong>g immigration and work permits under Category E – Long-Term Resident Status<br />
to persons who have been offered permanent employment and whose employment<br />
does not create undue local competition.<br />
DIGITAL NOMAD VISA<br />
Significantly the new Action Plan provides for the <strong>in</strong>troduction and the issu<strong>in</strong>g of Digital<br />
Nomad Visas with a maximum <strong>in</strong>itial limit of 100 beneficiaries.<br />
WHO IS ELIGIBLE:<br />
Third-country nationals who are either self-employed or are employees who work<br />
remotely us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation and communication technologies to communicate with<br />
their clients or employers who must be outside <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
WHAT RIGHTS DO YOU GET:<br />
• right to stay <strong>in</strong> the country for up to one year, with the<br />
right to renew their visas for another two years<br />
• can be accompanied by family members, to whom a residence permit is granted<br />
upon request, which will expire at the same time as that of the ma<strong>in</strong> applicant<br />
• dur<strong>in</strong>g their stay <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, the spouse or partner and the m<strong>in</strong>or<br />
members of the ma<strong>in</strong> applicant’s family are not allowed to<br />
engage <strong>in</strong> any k<strong>in</strong>d of economic activity <strong>in</strong> the country<br />
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS:<br />
• must show evidence of sufficient resources at a fixed <strong>in</strong>come level of a<br />
m<strong>in</strong>imum €3,500/month to cover liv<strong>in</strong>g expenses dur<strong>in</strong>g their stay without<br />
burden<strong>in</strong>g the national and welfare system (the amount is <strong>in</strong>creased by 20%<br />
<strong>in</strong> case they have a wife/husband/partner and another 10% per child)<br />
• must have <strong>in</strong>surance coverage and a clean crim<strong>in</strong>al record<br />
• the aforementioned prerequisites are <strong>in</strong>dicative and<br />
additional requirements are applicable<br />
In the event that the holders of Digital Nomad Visas reside <strong>in</strong> the Republic for one or more<br />
periods that <strong>in</strong> total exceed 183 days with<strong>in</strong> the same tax year, then they are considered<br />
tax residents of <strong>Cyprus</strong> provided they are not tax residents <strong>in</strong> any other state.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
NEW TAX INCENTIVES<br />
The new Action Plan also <strong>in</strong>cludes the <strong>in</strong>troduction of new tax benefits and tax<br />
breaks which were submitted to the House of Representatives <strong>in</strong> 2021.<br />
NEW INCENTIVES:<br />
• a 50% tax exemption to be granted to new residents/employees who<br />
receive an annual <strong>in</strong>come from their employment of €55,000<br />
• extension of the tax exemption applicable to eligible employees <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> who have an <strong>in</strong>come below €100,000 from 10 years to 17<br />
years provided they were not domiciled <strong>in</strong> the Republic for a period<br />
of 17 years prior to the commencement of their employment<br />
• beneficiaries of this tax benefit with an <strong>in</strong>come of €55,000-€100,000 should be<br />
entitled to benefit from this exemption for the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g period of the 17 years<br />
• extension of the 50% tax exemption for <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> certified <strong>in</strong>novative<br />
companies to corporate <strong>in</strong>vestors. The regime that was <strong>in</strong> force until the<br />
end of June 2021 allowed the tax exemption only to natural persons<br />
• a 120% capital allowance on expenses that relate to R&D<br />
View from 360, Cyfield<br />
NATURALISATION<br />
The government has <strong>in</strong>troduced the right to submit an application for naturalisation<br />
after five years of residency and employment <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong>stead of the former sevenyear<br />
rule or a further reduction to four years if the potential applicants meet the<br />
criteria of hold<strong>in</strong>g a recognised certificate of very good knowledge of the Greek<br />
language. n
FLAVOURS<br />
OF<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
ts@meci.gov.cy<br />
www.meci.gov.cy
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
INTERVIEW<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>-<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong><br />
Association President<br />
Demos<br />
Anastassiou<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> companies and <strong>in</strong>vestors can benefit<br />
significantly from <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ strong bus<strong>in</strong>ess ecosystem,<br />
and there are many bus<strong>in</strong>ess opportunities <strong>in</strong> both<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>in</strong> <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia for companies to build on<br />
to strengthen cooperation, says Demos Anastassiou.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
How would you describe the current trade<br />
relations between <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia?<br />
The trade relationship between <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia dates back decades. S<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
the 1970s and until very recently a lot of Cypriots emigrated to <strong>Saudi</strong> to work<br />
<strong>in</strong> construction but also <strong>in</strong> other sectors <strong>in</strong> <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia, so traditionally there are<br />
strong and friendly ties with the K<strong>in</strong>gdom.<br />
There is great potential <strong>in</strong> the trade relationship between <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia<br />
which is enhanced by the strengthen<strong>in</strong>g of the diplomatic relations between the two<br />
countries. The open<strong>in</strong>g of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Embassy <strong>in</strong> Riyadh <strong>in</strong> 2015 and the open<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia’s Embassy <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2018 cemented the new era <strong>in</strong> these relations.<br />
In terms of products traded between the two countries, around half of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’<br />
exports to <strong>Saudi</strong> are dairy produce and animal products. Other exports <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
pharmaceutical products, boilers and mach<strong>in</strong>ery, animal food, agricultural products<br />
and others. Most of our imports from <strong>Saudi</strong> <strong>in</strong>clude m<strong>in</strong>eral fuels and m<strong>in</strong>eral oils,<br />
organic chemicals, plastic and others.<br />
What advantages does <strong>Cyprus</strong> offer specifically<br />
to <strong>Saudi</strong> companies and <strong>in</strong>vestors?<br />
S<br />
audi companies and <strong>in</strong>vestors can benefit significantly from <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ strong<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess ecosystem, from full access to the European S<strong>in</strong>gle Market and to more<br />
than 40 EU Trade Agreements.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ legal system is reliable and predictable. It is based on English Common Law<br />
and is <strong>in</strong> full compliance with EU and International Laws and regulations. There is<br />
also strong protection of Investment and Intellectual Property.<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses will also benefit from a well-educated, multil<strong>in</strong>gual, highly skilled<br />
local talent and professionals with <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess experience. In addition,<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses can also relocate to <strong>Cyprus</strong>, travel to anywhere <strong>in</strong> the EU without<br />
the need of a visa or from any third country through a quick and simplified process by<br />
utilis<strong>in</strong>g the new government’s <strong>in</strong>centives for Third Country Nationals.<br />
Furthermore, there is a wide network of high calibre accountants, lawyers, and<br />
other professionals to support the <strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses which will set up <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. At<br />
the same time, <strong>Cyprus</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s a low cost of do<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess compared to other EU<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ations <strong>in</strong> terms of labour cost, office rentals, company set up, operational, fil<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and other costs.<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses can benefit from an attractive and transparent tax regime with a<br />
12.5% corporate tax rate, one of the lowest <strong>in</strong> EU, and can utilise the Double Tax Treaty<br />
with <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia which came <strong>in</strong>to effect on 1 st of January 2020.<br />
Equally important is <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ high quality of life <strong>in</strong> a safe and friendly <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
environment, a strong and first-rate education system and schools, which makes<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> an attractive dest<strong>in</strong>ation to relocate.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
What new prospects and opportunities could<br />
be cultivated to facilitate more bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
between <strong>Cyprus</strong> and <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia?<br />
T<br />
here are many bus<strong>in</strong>ess opportunities across various sectors, both <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia, for companies to build on. Indicatively I would like to highlight the<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g sectors.<br />
In the construction sector companies <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> have both the technological<br />
knowledge and capabilities to take on a big range of construction projects <strong>in</strong> <strong>Saudi</strong><br />
Arabia.<br />
In terms of headquarter<strong>in</strong>g, follow<strong>in</strong>g Brexit and the approval of the Fast Track<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Activation mechanism by the Cypriot Council of M<strong>in</strong>isters <strong>in</strong> September<br />
2020, <strong>Cyprus</strong> is now an attractive dest<strong>in</strong>ation for the establishment of bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
entities from <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia which have activities <strong>in</strong> the European Union. In addition,<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ modern and favourable legal environment make it an ideal location for the<br />
establishment of <strong>in</strong>vestment funds from <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia.<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> is an <strong>in</strong>ternational player <strong>in</strong> shipp<strong>in</strong>g and ship management hav<strong>in</strong>g one<br />
of the most competitive and high-quality flags and at the same time offer<strong>in</strong>g firstrate<br />
ship management services. Given the high export activity of <strong>Saudi</strong> Companies<br />
such as Aramco Trad<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Mediterranean, <strong>Cyprus</strong> could also potentially offer oil<br />
product storage, mixture and ‘ship-to-ship’ transfers, especially given its strategic<br />
geographic location and its already exist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
Start-up companies from <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia could make use of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ beneficial<br />
corporate and <strong>in</strong>vestment environment, its membership to the EU as well as the<br />
good relationships <strong>Cyprus</strong> has with neighbour<strong>in</strong>g countries, while Cypriot start-up<br />
companies could benefit from <strong>Saudi</strong>’s <strong>in</strong>vestment appetite for new technologies and<br />
<strong>in</strong>novations.<br />
Our country is a comprehensive travel dest<strong>in</strong>ation encompass<strong>in</strong>g modern<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure and an advanced tourism and hospitality sector. Given the K<strong>in</strong>gdom’s<br />
focus on the development of the tourist <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> <strong>Saudi</strong> and the proximity with<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>, we see great cooperation opportunities for companies <strong>in</strong> this sector.<br />
In the education sector, form<strong>in</strong>g connections between universities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and<br />
<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia that would enable collaboration <strong>in</strong> both teach<strong>in</strong>g and research would<br />
give these universities the opportunity to be more competitive <strong>in</strong>ternationally.<br />
Moreover, through such a collaboration, <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabian universities would become<br />
eligible for both EU fund<strong>in</strong>g and participation <strong>in</strong> European Programmes. These<br />
<strong>in</strong>stitutions could also organise conferences and symposiums together.<br />
In terms of foreign direct <strong>in</strong>vestment, there are worthwhile opportunities to<br />
<strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong> university <strong>in</strong>stitutions, hotel establishments, hospitals and cl<strong>in</strong>ics, banks,<br />
renewable energy projects as well as ports and mar<strong>in</strong>as. And as for the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Stock<br />
Exchange (CSE) and given the <strong>in</strong>terest that the <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabian Stock Exchange receives<br />
from <strong>in</strong>ternational <strong>in</strong>vestors, we consider that double list<strong>in</strong>g important companies <strong>in</strong><br />
both our stock exchanges would be beneficial. This would facilitate foreign <strong>in</strong>vestor<br />
transactions to <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabian companies that are referred from a European Exchange.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
How does the <strong>Cyprus</strong>-<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong><br />
Association support and foster bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
l<strong>in</strong>ks between the two countries?<br />
T<br />
he <strong>Cyprus</strong>–<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Association was established <strong>in</strong> September<br />
2020 and operates under the auspices of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce<br />
and Industry. In that respect it is work<strong>in</strong>g very closely with the Federation of <strong>Saudi</strong><br />
Chambers of Commerce (FSCC), the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and the Jeddah<br />
Chamber of Commerce to act as a bridge between the two bus<strong>in</strong>ess communities and to<br />
facilitate companies from both countries to explore opportunities both <strong>in</strong> <strong>Saudi</strong> and <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>. The cooperation with the <strong>Saudi</strong> Chambers was formalised via the cooperation<br />
agreement that was signed with the FSCC on June 7, 2022 to form the <strong>Saudi</strong>–<strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Council which will comprise of members from both bus<strong>in</strong>ess communities.<br />
One of the ma<strong>in</strong> tools we use to foster and support the bus<strong>in</strong>ess l<strong>in</strong>ks between the<br />
two countries is the organisation of bus<strong>in</strong>ess delegations. These delegations act as<br />
a platform for bus<strong>in</strong>esses from both countries to meet and explore opportunities of<br />
mutual <strong>in</strong>terest. We organised our first bus<strong>in</strong>ess delegation to Riyadh and Jeddah at the<br />
beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of June this year and we are discuss<strong>in</strong>g with the FSCC to organise a similar<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess delegation from <strong>Saudi</strong> to <strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong> the near future.<br />
Furthermore, the <strong>Cyprus</strong>–<strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Association works very closely<br />
with all m<strong>in</strong>istries and especially the Embassy of <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia <strong>in</strong> Nicosia and the<br />
Embassy of <strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong> Riyadh to promote local bus<strong>in</strong>esses and projects and to create<br />
a solid foundation to build susta<strong>in</strong>able trade relations between the two countries.<br />
To that effect, our Association’s agenda <strong>in</strong>cludes, amongst other th<strong>in</strong>gs, to work<br />
closely with all stakeholders to establish direct flights between the two countries, to<br />
streaml<strong>in</strong>e the visa issu<strong>in</strong>g process for <strong>Saudi</strong> nationals when visit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Cyprus</strong>, and to<br />
establish a Bilateral Investment Protection Treaty. n
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68<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
BUSINESS OPERATING ENVIRONMENT<br />
DOING<br />
BUSINESS<br />
INCYPRUS<br />
€<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ bus<strong>in</strong>ess-friendly <strong>in</strong>frastructure and cando<br />
attitude has brought it worldwide recognition<br />
as an <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess centre. The country<br />
offers a w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g package for both <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
entrepreneurs and <strong>in</strong>vestors with its sophisticated<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess environment, highly skilled workforce<br />
and cost-effective, yet high quality of life.
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69<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
BUSINESS CULTURE<br />
Respect, hospitality and personal trust are the cornerstones of the Cypriot bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
environment. An island nation with a long history of deal<strong>in</strong>g with foreign traders<br />
and bus<strong>in</strong>esses, Cypriot bus<strong>in</strong>esspeople are <strong>in</strong>ternational <strong>in</strong> their outlook and astute<br />
and knowledgeable <strong>in</strong> their negotiations. Punctuality is expected, bus<strong>in</strong>ess dress is<br />
formal for both men and women, especially at the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of a bus<strong>in</strong>ess relationship,<br />
and even <strong>in</strong> warm weather. Most Cypriots prefer face-to-face meet<strong>in</strong>gs to telephone<br />
conferences or written communications, which are regarded as too impersonal, and<br />
place great importance on build<strong>in</strong>g personal relationships with bus<strong>in</strong>ess partners or<br />
connections. Trust is the key to successful bus<strong>in</strong>ess deal<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
LANGUAGE<br />
Greek and Turkish are the official languages of <strong>Cyprus</strong>. However, English, the<br />
legacy of the British who ruled <strong>Cyprus</strong> from 1878 to 1960, is widely spoken and is<br />
the language of bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Many Cypriots also speak French, German or Russian.<br />
BUSINESS HOURS<br />
Office hours are generally 8.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.30pm, Monday to<br />
Friday. Although <strong>in</strong> summer some offices take a longer lunch break or f<strong>in</strong>ish early.<br />
Nicosia
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
BUSINESS COSTS<br />
An EU base with<strong>in</strong> the eurozone, <strong>Cyprus</strong> rema<strong>in</strong>s one of the few <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess centres offer<strong>in</strong>g low operational costs and a high standard of liv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Office space and residential property <strong>in</strong> Nicosia, the capital and major bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
centre, is relatively <strong>in</strong>expensive when compared to other European capitals.<br />
In terms of cost of liv<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>Cyprus</strong> rema<strong>in</strong>s one of the most advantageous places to<br />
live, with cost of liv<strong>in</strong>g lower than <strong>in</strong> most Western European countries. At the same<br />
time, residents of <strong>Cyprus</strong> enjoy a high standard of liv<strong>in</strong>g and exceptional quality of<br />
life, as the balmy climate and low crime rate offer both comfort and peace of m<strong>in</strong>d.<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Costs <strong>Cyprus</strong> EU27 Average<br />
Labour (bus<strong>in</strong>ess sector) €18.30 €29.10<br />
Communications (services & equipment)* 109 100<br />
Electricity (households) €0.2204/kWh €0.2369/kWh<br />
Electricity (non-households) €0.1946/kWh €0.1445/kWh<br />
* EU average is set to equal 100<br />
Source: Eurostat (2021)<br />
Limassol Mar<strong>in</strong>a<br />
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> offers a full range of properties for both commercial and residential use<br />
situated <strong>in</strong> key locations across the island. While the exclusive, top-level market<br />
is currently the most sought after, the island has a good stock of properties available,<br />
from townhouses and apartments, to villas and seaside bungalows <strong>in</strong> five-star gated<br />
developments. Nicosia and Limassol are the ma<strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess centres. Office space<br />
is available <strong>in</strong> purpose-built office blocks, <strong>in</strong> converted houses or flats. A number of<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess centres also offer ready-to-move-<strong>in</strong>to offices. They usually <strong>in</strong>clude fully<br />
equipped offices that are available on demand with flexible terms, meet<strong>in</strong>g rooms<br />
and a receptionist service. Overall, rentals are around two-thirds of those charged<br />
for comparable commercial spaces <strong>in</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ental Europe, and offices, retail or other<br />
commercial space is widely available for purchase or for rent.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
300<br />
200<br />
COMPARISON OF ESTIMATED AVERAGE RENT LEVELS<br />
FOR FLATS, 2021 (BRUSSELS = 100)<br />
European<br />
Union<br />
Europe<br />
(others)<br />
100<br />
0<br />
225<br />
216<br />
199<br />
199<br />
197<br />
171<br />
134<br />
128<br />
122<br />
122<br />
119<br />
109<br />
104<br />
100<br />
99<br />
99<br />
Dubl<strong>in</strong><br />
Copenhagen<br />
Paris<br />
Luxembourg<br />
Stockholm<br />
Hels<strong>in</strong>ki<br />
Berl<strong>in</strong><br />
The Hague<br />
Madrid<br />
Vienna<br />
Lisbon<br />
Rome<br />
Vilnius<br />
Brussels<br />
Valletta<br />
Ljubljana<br />
Budapest<br />
Tall<strong>in</strong>n<br />
Athens<br />
Prague<br />
Zagreb<br />
Riga<br />
Bratislava<br />
Warsaw<br />
Bucharest<br />
Nicosia<br />
Sofia<br />
London<br />
Geneva<br />
Rejkjavik<br />
Oslo<br />
Podgorica<br />
98<br />
98<br />
98<br />
96<br />
94<br />
84<br />
81<br />
74<br />
71<br />
64<br />
46<br />
278<br />
227<br />
188<br />
178<br />
54<br />
Note: Rents <strong>in</strong> currencies other than the Euro were converted accord<strong>in</strong>g to the exchange rate as of 1 July 2021.<br />
Source: Eurostat<br />
OFFICE SPACE<br />
In terms of office rental and sales prices, Limassol cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be the most expensive<br />
region followed by Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos and Famagusta respectively.<br />
OFFICE SALE AND RENTAL PRICES PER CITY (2022)<br />
Sale Prices (per m 2 ) Rental Prices (per m 2 )<br />
Famagusta €1,300-€1,500 €6-€10<br />
Larnaca €1,800-€2,500 €8-€10<br />
LImassol €4,500-€6,500 €20-€40<br />
Nicosia €3,500-€4,500 €12-€22<br />
Paphos €1,400-€2,000 €7-€10<br />
Source: Danos International Property Consultants<br />
HUMAN RESOURCES<br />
Well-tra<strong>in</strong>ed and versatile, the Cypriot workforce is one of the island’s most<br />
valuable resources, offer<strong>in</strong>g high standards of productivity, technical expertise<br />
and professional excellence at reasonable costs to bus<strong>in</strong>esses.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the Statistical Service <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, the country records the most higher<br />
education graduates per capita (age 30-34) <strong>in</strong> the European Union.<br />
The Cypriot labour force amounted to 482,385 persons or 65.1% of the population<br />
(males 71.2%, females 59.5%) <strong>in</strong> the Q2 of 2022. The biggest percentage of employed<br />
persons was <strong>in</strong> services (80.7%), followed by manufactur<strong>in</strong>g (16.8%) and agriculture<br />
(2.5%).
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
SALARY SURVEY 2022 Source: GRS Recruitment<br />
JOB TITLE LOW (€) MID (€) HIGH (€)<br />
Management CEO 60,000 100,000 150,000<br />
Executive Director 60,000 100,000 140,000<br />
CFO 65,000 80,000 120,000<br />
Account<strong>in</strong>g & F<strong>in</strong>ance F<strong>in</strong>ancial Controller 55,000 60,000 75,000<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ance Manager / Senior Accountant 40,000 55,000 65,000<br />
Accountant / Auditor (Qualified) 34,000 38,000 45,000<br />
Accountant / Auditor (Part Qualified or QBE) 24,000 30,000 36,000<br />
Account Assistant 16,000 22,000 25,000<br />
HR Department Head of HR / Group of HRM 55,000 80,000 120,000<br />
HR Manager 40,000 50,000 60,000<br />
HR Executive 18,000 21,000 24,000<br />
Legal Deparment Head of Legal / Group Legal Head 60,000 90,000 130,000<br />
Legal Advisor (Qualified Lawyer) 24,000 39,000 54,000<br />
Legal Assistant / Paralegal / None Qualified Lawyer 18,000 20,000 24,000<br />
Compliance, Anti-Money Head of Compliance 50,000 64,000 72,000<br />
Launder<strong>in</strong>g (AML), Counter - Compliance / AML / CTF / Manager 42,000 46,000 52,000<br />
Terrorist F<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g (CTF) Compliance / AML / CTF / Officer 26,000 32,000 40,000<br />
Deal<strong>in</strong>g Room Chief Dealer 45,000 52,000 60,000<br />
Dealer 24,000 33,000 45,000<br />
Junior Dealer 18,000 20,000 22,000<br />
IT Development Head of IT / CTO 60,000 80,000 140,000<br />
IT Manager / Development Manager 50,000 60,000 80,000<br />
Quality Assurance (QA) / Tester 26,000 36,000 46,000<br />
IT Technician 20,000 24,000 36,000<br />
Developer* 28,000 42,000 60,000<br />
Market<strong>in</strong>g Department Head of Market<strong>in</strong>g 42,000 50,000 72,000<br />
Market<strong>in</strong>g Officer 24,000 30,000 36,000<br />
Digital Market<strong>in</strong>g Specialist (Social, PPC / SEO) 26,000 34,000 42,000<br />
Market<strong>in</strong>g Executive 18,000 22,000 24,000<br />
Graphic Designer 24,000 30,000 36,000<br />
Content Writer 24,000 32,000 40,000<br />
Sales Department Head of Sales 42,000 60,000 75,000<br />
FX Sales* 20,000 24,000 30,000<br />
Sales Executive (Industries other than FX / F<strong>in</strong>tech) 18,000 22,000 26,000<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istration Office Manager / PA / EA 18,000 28,000 39,000<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istator / Receptionist 17,000 20,000 24,000<br />
Corporate Adm<strong>in</strong>istrator 20,000 28,000 36,000
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
Taxation<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> offers one of the most attractive tax regimes<br />
<strong>in</strong> Europe. A member of the European Union s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
2004, <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ regulatory regime is <strong>in</strong> full compliance<br />
with the requirements of the EU and OECD. <strong>Cyprus</strong> has<br />
one of the lowest EU corporate tax rates at 12.5%. The<br />
island’s advantageous tax rate coupled with an extensive<br />
list of double tax treaties places it high on the list of<br />
preferred jurisdictions for <strong>in</strong>ternational tax planners.<br />
CORPORATION TAX<br />
The Corporation Tax Rate <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> is 12.5%.<br />
BASIS OF TAXATION<br />
All companies that are tax residents of <strong>Cyprus</strong> are taxed on their <strong>in</strong>come accrued or<br />
derived from all sources <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and abroad. A non-<strong>Cyprus</strong> tax resident company<br />
is taxed on <strong>in</strong>come accrued or derived from a bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity which is carried out<br />
through a permanent establishment <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and on certa<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>come aris<strong>in</strong>g from<br />
sources <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. A company is considered tax resident of <strong>Cyprus</strong> if it is managed and<br />
controlled from <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
Trilogy, Limassol
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
SPECIAL TYPES OF COMPANIES<br />
SHIPPING COMPANIES<br />
The Merchant Shipp<strong>in</strong>g Legislation, fully approved by the EU, provides for an exemption<br />
from all direct taxes and taxation under tonnage tax regime. The merchant shipp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
legislation applies to qualify<strong>in</strong>g shipowners, charterers and ship managers, which<br />
are <strong>in</strong>volved with the operation of qualify<strong>in</strong>g community ships (ships under a CY flag<br />
or a flag of an EU member state or of a country <strong>in</strong> the European Economic Area) and<br />
foreign (non-community) ships (under conditions) and provided that they engage <strong>in</strong><br />
qualify<strong>in</strong>g activities. The legislation allows non community vessels to enter the tonnage<br />
tax regime provided the fleet is composed by at least 60% community vessels. If this<br />
requirement is not met, then non community vessels can still qualify if certa<strong>in</strong> criteria<br />
are met. Exemption is also given <strong>in</strong> relation to the salaries of officers and crew aboard<br />
a <strong>Cyprus</strong> ship.<br />
INSURANCE COMPANIES<br />
Profits of <strong>in</strong>surance companies are liable to corporation tax similar to all other<br />
companies except <strong>in</strong> the case where the corporation tax payable on taxable profit of life<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance bus<strong>in</strong>ess is less than 1.5% of the gross premium. In this case the difference is<br />
paid as additional corporation tax.<br />
ADMINISTRATION AND COMPLIANCE<br />
The tax year is the calendar year. The accounts of a company may be closed on a date<br />
different from 31 st of December, <strong>in</strong> which case taxable profits are apportioned on a time<br />
basis relevant to the tax years.<br />
CONSOLIDATED RETURNS<br />
Taxation on a consolidated basis is not permitted and each company is required to<br />
submit a separate standalone tax return. A set-off of group losses is possible provided<br />
there is a 75% parent subsidiary relationship, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g subsidiaries under 75% control<br />
of a common parent company. Group loss relief is available only between resident<br />
companies (and EU-based companies/companies with which <strong>Cyprus</strong> has concluded a<br />
double tax treaty, provided that they have exhausted all options to utilise the losses <strong>in</strong><br />
their country of residence).<br />
FILING REQUIREMENTS<br />
Corporate tax returns must be filed electronically by the 31 st of March of the year follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the year under consideration (i.e. 15 months from the year-end). Companies are required<br />
to pay provisional tax <strong>in</strong> two equal <strong>in</strong>stalments by 31 st of July and 31 st of December of the<br />
year under consideration. Any underpayment is due to be settled via self-assessment by<br />
1 st of August of the follow<strong>in</strong>g year. If the <strong>in</strong>come declared for the payment of the provisional<br />
tax is lower than 75% of the actual <strong>in</strong>come as f<strong>in</strong>ally determ<strong>in</strong>ed, an additional tax equal<br />
to 10% of the difference between the f<strong>in</strong>al and provisional tax is payable.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
PERSONAL INCOME TAX<br />
BASIS OF TAXATION<br />
All <strong>Cyprus</strong> tax residents are taxed <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> on all <strong>in</strong>come accrued or derived from<br />
all sources <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and abroad such as employment <strong>in</strong>come, rental <strong>in</strong>come etc. (i.e.<br />
worldwide <strong>in</strong>come).<br />
Individuals who are not tax residents of <strong>Cyprus</strong> are taxed on <strong>in</strong>come accrued or<br />
derived from sources <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
An <strong>in</strong>dividual is tax resident <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> if one of the follow<strong>in</strong>g conditions are met:<br />
• he/she spends physically <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> over 183 days dur<strong>in</strong>g the relevant tax year, or<br />
• he/she does not rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> any other state for one or more periods which altogether<br />
exceed 183 days <strong>in</strong> the same tax year and he/she is not tax resident <strong>in</strong> any other<br />
state for the same tax year and all the follow<strong>in</strong>g conditions are cumulatively met:<br />
• he/she should rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> for at least 60 days dur<strong>in</strong>g the tax year<br />
• he/she should pursue any bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and/or to work <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and/or to<br />
be a director <strong>in</strong> a company tax resident <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> at any time dur<strong>in</strong>g the tax year<br />
• he/she should ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> a permanent residence <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>,<br />
which can be either owned or rented by him/her<br />
The personal <strong>in</strong>come tax rates that apply to <strong>in</strong>dividuals are as follows:<br />
Taxable Income TaxRate (%) Tax (€) Accumulated Tax (€)<br />
0-19,500 0 0 0<br />
19,501- 28,000 20 1,700 1,700<br />
28,001-36,300 25 2,075 3,775<br />
36,301-60,000 30 7,110 10,885<br />
60,001 and over 35
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
TAX INCENTIVES FOR EXPATRIATE EMPLOYEES TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT IN CYPRUS:<br />
The <strong>in</strong>dividuals who were non-Cypriot tax residents prior to the commencement of<br />
their employment, but become Cypriot tax residents afterwards, are eligible for a 50%<br />
exemption from <strong>in</strong>come tax if all the follow<strong>in</strong>g conditions are met:<br />
• their remuneration from the employment exercised<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> is over €55,000 per annum; and<br />
• they were not tax residents of <strong>Cyprus</strong> for 10 consecutive years<br />
prior to the commencement of their employment; and<br />
• the exemption is available from 1 January 2022, it is granted from the first<br />
year of employment and it can be enjoyed for a period of 17 years<br />
• <strong>in</strong>dividuals with annual remuneration below €55,000 who were non-Cypriot<br />
tax residents <strong>in</strong> the 3 years preced<strong>in</strong>g their employment, are eligible for a 20%<br />
exemption from <strong>in</strong>come tax (maximum exempt amount is €8,550 per year)<br />
The exemption is available from the 1 st of January follow<strong>in</strong>g the year of commencement<br />
of the employment and can be enjoyed for a period of 7 years.<br />
It is important to note that the above provisions were recently <strong>in</strong>troduced (published<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Official Gazette of the Republic on 26/07/2022 ) as amendments to the previous<br />
rules that were applicable until the publication date. The amended provisions also<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude certa<strong>in</strong> transitional provisions that may enable the <strong>in</strong>dividuals that claimed<br />
the exemptions based on the previous rules to enjoy the exemptions based on the<br />
provisions <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the new rules. Furthermore, the <strong>in</strong>dividuals that do not fall with<strong>in</strong><br />
the transitional provisions, are eligible to cont<strong>in</strong>ue claim<strong>in</strong>g the exemption based on the<br />
previous rules for the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g years, without be<strong>in</strong>g affected by the new rules.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
SUBMISSION OF TAX RETURNS<br />
The tax year is the calendar year. Tax on employment <strong>in</strong>come is withheld by the<br />
employer under the PAYE system and remitted to the tax authorities.<br />
Self-employed <strong>in</strong>dividuals pay tax through the provisional and self-assessment<br />
systems. Tax returns must be filed electronically by 31 st of July follow<strong>in</strong>g the tax year for<br />
employees, 30 th of September for self-employed persons who are not required to file<br />
audited/reviewed f<strong>in</strong>ancial statements and 31 st of March of the year follow<strong>in</strong>g the year<br />
under consideration (i.e. 15 months from the year-end) for self-employed persons whose<br />
returns are accompanied by audited/reviewed f<strong>in</strong>ancial statements. Sole proprietors with<br />
an annual turnover of more than €70,000 are obliged to prepare f<strong>in</strong>ancial statements<br />
that are either audited or are subject to a review by a statutory auditor (<strong>in</strong> case their<br />
net turnover does not exceed the amount of €200,000 and the total value of the assets<br />
without deduct<strong>in</strong>g liabilities does not exceed the amount of €500,000).<br />
Limassol Seafront<br />
VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)<br />
Imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) is imposed on the supply of all goods and services<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, on the acquisition of goods from other Member States and on the importation<br />
of goods from third countries. The standard rate of 19% applies to the supplies of all<br />
goods and services <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> which are not subject to the zero rate, the reduced rates<br />
(5% and 9%) or are not exempt. <strong>Cyprus</strong> constitutes an attractive EU VAT jurisdiction<br />
apply<strong>in</strong>g several options permissible by the EU Directive among others a flexible VAT<br />
Group<strong>in</strong>g. As long as the pre-requisite l<strong>in</strong>ks are satisfied, and governmental revenues<br />
are not put <strong>in</strong>to jeopardy, related entities can form a VAT group disregard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tragroup<br />
transactions and hav<strong>in</strong>g a representative member submitt<strong>in</strong>g a s<strong>in</strong>gle VAT<br />
return. Even such entities not <strong>in</strong>corporated <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> can form a VAT Group <strong>in</strong> case<br />
they are tax resident or possess<strong>in</strong>g an establishment <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION FOR DEFENCE<br />
Special contribution for defence (SDC) is imposed on the dividend, <strong>in</strong>terest and rental<br />
<strong>in</strong>come earned by Cypriot tax resident and domiciled <strong>in</strong>dividuals. Non-domiciled<br />
Cypriot tax residents are exempt from SDC.
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78<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
KEY FEATURES OF THE CYPRUS TAX SYSTEM<br />
Simple, transparent and EU harmonised tax system<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g recommended OECD practices.<br />
Enjoys the tax benefits of EU Directives (Parent – Subsidiary Directive,<br />
Merger Directive and Interest and Royalties Directive).<br />
Extensive Tax Treaty network with 67 countries.<br />
A corporate <strong>in</strong>come tax rate of 12.5%, one of the lowest with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
EU with possibility to enjoy a much lower effective tax rate.<br />
Availability of a Notional Interest Deduction for companies<br />
receiv<strong>in</strong>g new equity fund<strong>in</strong>g. The tax deduction can reach up to<br />
80% of the taxable <strong>in</strong>come generated by the new equity.<br />
IP Box regime based on the nexus approach which allows 80% deemed<br />
deduction on qualify<strong>in</strong>g profits from the bus<strong>in</strong>ess use of qualify<strong>in</strong>g IP.<br />
Increased deduction of 20% on the actual expenditure <strong>in</strong>curred for scientific<br />
research as well as research and development, subject to conditions.<br />
Attractive Tonnage Tax (TT) regime for ship owners, managers and charterers.<br />
Attractive tax jurisdiction for funds and attractive tax regime for fund managers.<br />
Capital ga<strong>in</strong>s are exempt from tax (except for capital ga<strong>in</strong>s aris<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from the disposal of immovable property located <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>).<br />
Profits of a foreign Permanent Establishment exempt from tax.<br />
Ga<strong>in</strong>s from trad<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> securities (shares, bonds and certa<strong>in</strong><br />
other f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>struments) are exempt from tax.<br />
Unilateral credit relief for foreign taxes.<br />
No withhold<strong>in</strong>g tax on dividend, <strong>in</strong>terest or royalty payments<br />
(for use of royalties outside of <strong>Cyprus</strong>) made abroad.<br />
No taxes on entry and on qualify<strong>in</strong>g reorganisations.<br />
Carry forward of tax losses for five years.<br />
Tax <strong>in</strong>centives for expatriate employees tak<strong>in</strong>g up<br />
employment <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> (20%/50% exemption).<br />
Dividend <strong>in</strong>come and <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong>come are exempt from SDC for<br />
non-domiciled <strong>in</strong>dividuals tak<strong>in</strong>g up tax residency <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
Possibility to obta<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> tax residency by spend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
only 60-days <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> (subject to conditions).<br />
No <strong>in</strong>heritance tax.<br />
No immovable property tax.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
WHO’S<br />
WHO<br />
CYPRUS BUSINESS DIRECTORY<br />
The def<strong>in</strong>itive guide<br />
to <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />
companies, executives<br />
and professional advisers.
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />
A. Zemenides & Co Ltd..................................................................................................................................... 83<br />
Baker Tilly South East Europe...................................................................................................................... 83<br />
Deloitte <strong>Cyprus</strong>.................................................................................................................................................... 83<br />
Demetriou & Associates <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Advisers Ltd (DBA).................................................................... 83<br />
Joannides + Co Ltd..............................................................................................................................................84<br />
KPMG........................................................................................................................................................................84<br />
PwC <strong>Cyprus</strong>............................................................................................................................................................84<br />
ServPro Accountants & Consultants........................................................................................................84<br />
ASSOCIATIONS<br />
Association of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Banks........................................................................................................................ 85<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Cannabis Association (CYCA)....................................................................................................... 85<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce and Industry..................................................................................... 85<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Fiduciary Association...................................................................................................................... 85<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Healthcare Tourism (CHT).............................................................................................................86<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Hotel Association...............................................................................................................................86<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> International <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Association (CIBA)..........................................................................86<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Investment Funds Association (CIFA).....................................................................................86<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Shipp<strong>in</strong>g Chamber............................................................................................................................ 87<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Union of Shipowners (CUS).......................................................................................................... 87<br />
Insurance Association of <strong>Cyprus</strong>............................................................................................................... 87<br />
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) ............................................................................... 87<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB)............................................................88<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Tech Association.......................................................................................................................88<br />
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of <strong>Cyprus</strong> (ICPAC)..............................................88<br />
BANKING<br />
Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong> PLC............................................................................................................................................88<br />
cdbbank (The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Development Bank Public Company Ltd)................................................89<br />
Eurobank <strong>Cyprus</strong> Ltd........................................................................................................................................89<br />
Societe Generale Bank – <strong>Cyprus</strong>................................................................................................................89<br />
CONSULTING<br />
e-CNHC – E-C Natural Hydrocarbons Company Ltd.......................................................................89<br />
PIVOT Consultants (<strong>Cyprus</strong>) Limited........................................................................................................90
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
Alter Domus (<strong>Cyprus</strong>) Ltd...............................................................................................................................90<br />
Andersen.................................................................................................................................................................90<br />
Aspen Trust Group.............................................................................................................................................90<br />
ATG Corporate Services....................................................................................................................................91<br />
Executive <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Constultants Ltd........................................................................................................91<br />
GFSC Global............................................................................................................................................................91<br />
KENDRIS (<strong>Cyprus</strong>) Limited.............................................................................................................................91<br />
Pagecorp Group................................................................................................................................................... 92<br />
Sovereign Group – <strong>Cyprus</strong>............................................................................................................................. 92<br />
Trident Trust Company (<strong>Cyprus</strong>) Limited.............................................................................................. 92<br />
Vistra (<strong>Cyprus</strong>) Ltd.............................................................................................................................................. 92<br />
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS<br />
Sapienta Economics Ltd.................................................................................................................................. 93<br />
ENERGY<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Hydrocarbons Company (CHC)................................................................................................... 93<br />
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION<br />
European Institute of Management and F<strong>in</strong>ance (EIMF).............................................................. 93<br />
FINANCIAL ADVISORY<br />
MAP S.Platis Group............................................................................................................................................ 93<br />
FUND ADMINISTRATION<br />
ATG Fund Services............................................................................................................................................. 94<br />
FUND MANAGEMENT<br />
Inveqo Fund Management Ltd..................................................................................................................... 94<br />
IXI Investments................................................................................................................................................... 94<br />
Leon MFO Investments Ltd............................................................................................................................ 94<br />
Wealth Fund Services Ltd............................................................................................................................... 95<br />
INVESTMENT PROMOTION<br />
Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong>........................................................................................................................................................ 95
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
INVESTMENT SERVICES<br />
W<strong>in</strong>dsor Brokers Ltd......................................................................................................................................... 95<br />
LAW FIRMS<br />
A.G. Paphitis & Co LLC....................................................................................................................................... 95<br />
Agni Livera LLC.................................................................................................................................................... 96<br />
Andreas Th.Sofokleous LLC........................................................................................................................... 96<br />
Antonis Paschalides & Co LLC...................................................................................................................... 96<br />
Areti Charidemou & Associates LLC......................................................................................................... 96<br />
E. Tzioni & Associates LLC...............................................................................................................................97<br />
Elias Neocleous & Co LLC.................................................................................................................................97<br />
George Z. Georgiou & Associates LLC.......................................................................................................97<br />
L Papaphilippou & Co LLC................................................................................................................................97<br />
N. Xenofontos LLC Law Firm.........................................................................................................................98<br />
Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC.............................................................................................................98<br />
Pourgoura & Aspri LLC.....................................................................................................................................98<br />
Stelios Americanos & Co LLC........................................................................................................................98<br />
NON PROFIT<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Seeds......................................................................................................................................................... 99<br />
REAL ESTATE<br />
Cybarco Development Ltd.............................................................................................................................. 99<br />
Korant<strong>in</strong>a Homes............................................................................................................................................... 99<br />
Pafilia Property Developers Ltd................................................................................................................... 99<br />
Quality Group.....................................................................................................................................................100<br />
Trilogy Limassol Seafront ...........................................................................................................................100<br />
RECRUITMENT<br />
CareerF<strong>in</strong>ders Recruitment Services Limited..................................................................................100<br />
GRS Recruitment .............................................................................................................................................100<br />
RESEARCH INSTITUTION<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Institute ........................................................................................................................................101<br />
WEB DEVELOPMENT<br />
Ideaseven Digital...............................................................................................................................................101
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83<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />
AFXENTIS ZEMENIDES<br />
MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />
A. ZEMENIDES & CO LTD<br />
A.ZEMENIDES & CO LTD is a boutique firm of auditors, accountants,<br />
tax consultants and bus<strong>in</strong>ess advisors based <strong>in</strong> Limassol, <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
We aim to provide excellent service <strong>in</strong> a professional manner and<br />
of the highest standards to our clients, both local and <strong>in</strong>ternational.<br />
We aim to act as one-stop-shop for our clients provid<strong>in</strong>g them a<br />
full range of services. The boutique nature of our firm ensures that<br />
the clients enjoy personalized attention. Through our participation<br />
<strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternational network of associates IR GLOBAL we provide<br />
solutions to corporate and <strong>in</strong>dividual clients worldwide. Our<br />
objective is to assist our clients to achieve their goals.<br />
Omirou Street 61, Joanna Court,<br />
3rd Floor, 3091 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Afxentis Zemenides<br />
- Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />
(+357) 25 745 800<br />
azemenides@zemenides.com.cy<br />
www.zemenides.com.cy<br />
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />
MARIOS A. KLITOU<br />
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />
BAKER TILLY SOUTH EAST EUROPE<br />
Baker Tilly South East Europe is a full-service account<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and advisory firm, that offers <strong>in</strong>dustry specialised services<br />
<strong>in</strong> assurance, tax and advisory. Every day, more than 500<br />
professionals located <strong>in</strong> 16 offices throughout South East Europe<br />
(<strong>Cyprus</strong>, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova) share their<br />
expertise to accelerate your bus<strong>in</strong>ess growth, by operat<strong>in</strong>g under a<br />
unified structure, directed by a s<strong>in</strong>gle, central management team<br />
of 44 directors. At Baker Tilly, we are ready now, for tomorrow’s<br />
challenges. We believe <strong>in</strong> the power of great relationships, by<br />
lead<strong>in</strong>g and listen<strong>in</strong>g to great conversations. Baker Tilly South East<br />
Europe is an <strong>in</strong>dependent member of Baker Tilly International, one<br />
of the world’s lead<strong>in</strong>g networks, unit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dependent companies<br />
to provide top-quality professional services <strong>in</strong> both <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
and regional markets.<br />
Corner C Hatzopoulou & 30<br />
Griva Digheni Avenue,<br />
1066 Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong> P.O.Box<br />
27783, 2433 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Marios A. Klitou -<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
(+357) 22 458 500<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@bakertilly.com.cy<br />
www.bakertilly.com.cy<br />
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />
PIERIS MARKOU<br />
CEO, DELOITTE CYPRUS<br />
DELOITTE CYPRUS<br />
Deloitte Limited is among the lead<strong>in</strong>g professional services firms<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, provid<strong>in</strong>g audit & assurance, consult<strong>in</strong>g, f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services, as well as a<br />
complete range of services to <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess, through<br />
over 750 people <strong>in</strong> Nicosia and Limassol. Deloitte Limited, is the<br />
sub-licensed affiliate for <strong>Cyprus</strong> of Deloitte NSE LLP. As part<br />
of the Deloitte global network, with more than 345,000 people<br />
<strong>in</strong> over 150 countries and territories, Deloitte Limited has the<br />
advantage of global shar<strong>in</strong>g of knowledge with local adaptation<br />
and personal approach, built on the solid foundations of over 60<br />
years of successful operations on the island.<br />
24 Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue,<br />
CY 1075, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Michelle Karaolides -<br />
Head of Market<strong>in</strong>g & Communications<br />
(+357) 22 360 300<br />
<strong>in</strong>fonicosia@deloitte.com<br />
www.deloitte.com/cy<br />
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />
ELIAS DEMETRIOU<br />
DIRECTOR<br />
DEMETRIOU & ASSOCIATES BUSINESS ADVISERS LTD (DBA)<br />
dba was established <strong>in</strong> 2017 by a team with more than 30 years<br />
experience <strong>in</strong> the professional f<strong>in</strong>ancial services <strong>in</strong>dustry.<br />
The company provides an extensive range of services on most<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial matters <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g audit<strong>in</strong>g, account<strong>in</strong>g, taxation,<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial and bus<strong>in</strong>ess consult<strong>in</strong>g. We also specialise <strong>in</strong> the<br />
formation and management of companies, liquidation and<br />
dissolution of companies, the creation and adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />
of trusts and estates, IT consult<strong>in</strong>g, and much more. dba<br />
comprises of 3 directors and more than 20 members of staff.<br />
Our commitment is to provide exceptional quality services to<br />
our clients, tailored to all their needs. dba is passionate about<br />
ideas, <strong>in</strong>novation, and always adopts a forward-look<strong>in</strong>g proactive<br />
approach. The firm is a member of DFK International, the<br />
number 6 Association <strong>in</strong> the world.<br />
1 Salam<strong>in</strong>os Avenue, 1045 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Elias Demetriou – Director<br />
(+357) 22 799 900<br />
e.demetriou@dbacy.com<br />
www.dbacy.com
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />
DAVINIA JOANNIDOU<br />
DIRECTOR<br />
JOANNIDES + CO LTD<br />
Joannides + Co. Ltd is a lead<strong>in</strong>g firm of accountants and<br />
management consultants established <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> for over 40<br />
years provid<strong>in</strong>g audit and assurance, taxation, bus<strong>in</strong>ess support<br />
services and management consult<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>ternational companies<br />
and private clients. The firm has offices <strong>in</strong> Nicosia, Limassol<br />
and Larnaca offer<strong>in</strong>g its services with the utmost <strong>in</strong>tegrity,<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependence and objectivity with the aim to add significant<br />
value to its clients’ bus<strong>in</strong>ess performance. Joannides + Co. Ltd<br />
is a member of AGN International Ltd, a worldwide association<br />
of <strong>in</strong>dependent account<strong>in</strong>g and consult<strong>in</strong>g firms operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
85 countries, is an approved tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g centre of the professional<br />
account<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stitutes ICAEW and ACCA and <strong>in</strong> 2010 was awarded<br />
the quality award certification from the Institute of Certified<br />
Public Accountants of <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
13, Agiou Prokopiou Str. 2406<br />
Egkomi, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
P.O.Box 25411, Nicosia 1309 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Dav<strong>in</strong>ia Joannidou - Director<br />
(+357) 22 556 556<br />
cy@joannides.com.cy<br />
www.joannides.com.cy<br />
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />
CHRISTOS V. VASILIOU<br />
MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />
KPMG<br />
KPMG is a global organisation of <strong>in</strong>dependent professional services<br />
firms provid<strong>in</strong>g Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG operates<br />
<strong>in</strong> 144 countries and territories and has approximately 236.000<br />
people work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> member firms around the world. KPMG has<br />
been operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ce 1948 and currently employs more<br />
than 850 professionals work<strong>in</strong>g from 6 offices across the island<br />
(Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaka, Paralimni, Pafos, Polis Chrysochous).<br />
By utilis<strong>in</strong>g the whole spectrum of KPMG International services<br />
and the deep knowledge <strong>in</strong> all major <strong>in</strong>dustries, KPMG provides its<br />
clients with solutions which address their unique characteristics.<br />
Clients look to KPMG for a consistent standard of service based<br />
on high-order professional capabilities, <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong>sight, local<br />
knowledge and expertise.<br />
14 Esperidon Street, 1087, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Maria A. Papacosta -<br />
Board Member, Head of Clients and Markets<br />
(+357) 22 209 000<br />
maria.papacosta@kpmg.com.cy<br />
www.kpmg.com.cy<br />
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />
PHILIPPOS SOSEILOS<br />
CEO, PwC CYPRUS<br />
PWC CYPRUS<br />
In a world that is constantly evolv<strong>in</strong>g, our aim at PwC <strong>Cyprus</strong> is to<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d the right solutions to complex problems. We focus on quality<br />
and build strong relationships based on trust, creat<strong>in</strong>g value for<br />
our clients, stakeholders and society. Based on PwC’s new global<br />
strategy, “The New Equation”, we look at problems from different<br />
angles and present <strong>in</strong>novative solutions that make a difference<br />
and lead to susta<strong>in</strong>ed outcomes. More than 1,000 people <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
jo<strong>in</strong> forces with 327,000 professionals of our global network <strong>in</strong><br />
155 countries and create an experienced team that comb<strong>in</strong>es<br />
<strong>in</strong>telligent approaches, experience and technological <strong>in</strong>novation.<br />
www.pwc.com.cy<br />
PwC Central, 43 Demostheni Severi Avenue,<br />
CY-1080 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Konstant<strong>in</strong>a Logotheti -<br />
Director, Market<strong>in</strong>g & Communications<br />
(+357) 22 555 000<br />
konstant<strong>in</strong>a.logotheti@pwc.com<br />
www.pwc.com.cy<br />
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />
PETROS THEODOTOU<br />
FCCA<br />
FOUNDER & CEO<br />
SERVPRO ACCOUNTANTS & CONSULTANTS<br />
ServPRO is a team of accountants, auditors, lawyers and<br />
consultants. A practic<strong>in</strong>g member of ICPAC and ACCA, a National<br />
Member of Auditaxes International, an ACCA Approved Employer,<br />
an ISO 9001:2015 and an ISO 27001:2013 Certified Company.<br />
Our areas of expertise are Account<strong>in</strong>g & F<strong>in</strong>ance, Advisory &<br />
Consult<strong>in</strong>g, Audit & Assurance, Corporate & Legal, Economic<br />
Substance and Taxation. We have a stellar track record <strong>in</strong><br />
deliver<strong>in</strong>g practical solutions to corporate and <strong>in</strong>dividual clients<br />
with a spherical, solution-driven and detail-oriented approach,<br />
while demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g an aptitude of professionalism, <strong>in</strong>tegrity and<br />
commercial acumen. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the remarkable year of 2021, we have<br />
celebrated 10 years of deliver<strong>in</strong>g an impeccable quality of services<br />
and practical solutions across a diversified range of <strong>in</strong>dustries to a<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g mult<strong>in</strong>ational clientele.<br />
Accountants & Consultants<br />
1 K<strong>in</strong>yra Street, K<strong>in</strong>yras Tower,<br />
3rd Floor, 1102 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Petros Theodotou FCCA -<br />
Founder & CEO<br />
(+357) 22 021 100<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@servpro.com.cy<br />
www.servpro.com.cy
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
DR. MICHAEL KAMMAS<br />
DIRECTOR GENERAL<br />
ASSOCIATION OF CYPRUS BANKS<br />
Through its representation of ten member banks that hold more<br />
than 95% market share, the Association of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Banks (ACB)<br />
is the voice of the local bank<strong>in</strong>g system. Its primary target is to<br />
promote best practices for the <strong>in</strong>terest of the bank<strong>in</strong>g sector<br />
and the local economy. The ACB is a non-profit organization<br />
through which common positions are formulated and promoted<br />
on bank<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>ancial issues when local legislative and<br />
governmental policies are determ<strong>in</strong>ed. Through its more than<br />
53 years of operations, the ACB has ga<strong>in</strong>ed the reputation of a<br />
prudent, reliable and consistent partner for various policy makers,<br />
organizations, media, <strong>in</strong>stitutions and the local society.<br />
15 Demetriou Karatasou Str, Office 401,<br />
P.O. Box 16113, 2086 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Dr. Michael Kammas<br />
- Director General<br />
(+357) 22 664 293<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@acb.com.cy<br />
www.acb.com.cy<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
ANDRIA ANDREOU<br />
PRESIDENT<br />
CYPRUS CANNABIS ASSOCIATION (CYCA)<br />
CYCA was formed <strong>in</strong> October 2019 under the auspices of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Chamber of Commerce & Industry. We are lead<strong>in</strong>g the collective of<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals and bus<strong>in</strong>esses that will build the legal Cannabis Ecosystem<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, and advanc<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>terests of a responsible,<br />
compliant, transparent and high-quality <strong>in</strong>dustry. As global<br />
recognition of the benefits of legal Cannabis <strong>in</strong>creases with<br />
governments around the world steadily mov<strong>in</strong>g to full legalization,<br />
there is a burgeon<strong>in</strong>g need for high-quality products with known<br />
components; cultivated at large scale for consistent, reliable supply<br />
to users. <strong>Cyprus</strong> is primely positioned as an attractive center of<br />
excellence for production; research; genetics, and <strong>in</strong>tellectual<br />
property from which the legal Cannabis <strong>in</strong>dustry can flourish.<br />
38 Grivas Dhigenis Ave. & 3 Deligiogis<br />
1066 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Andria Andreou - President<br />
(+357) 99 672 366<br />
a.andreou@cy-ca.org<br />
www.cy-ca.org<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
CHRISTODOULOS E.<br />
ANGASTINIOTIS<br />
PRESIDENT<br />
CYPRUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) membership<br />
exceeds 10.000 enterprises represent<strong>in</strong>g over 95% of the local<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess community. 160 Professional Associations are affiliated<br />
to the CCCI <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g 41 Bilateral Associations. Its wide range of<br />
services <strong>in</strong>clude advisory, provision of bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>formation,<br />
foreign trade exhibitions, trade missions & bus<strong>in</strong>ess fora abroad,<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g courses & sem<strong>in</strong>ars, advice on European Union<br />
issues, labour relations matters, issue of Certificates of Orig<strong>in</strong> and<br />
ATA-CARNETS and participation <strong>in</strong> EU programmes. CCCI is a full<br />
member of 12 International organizations <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Eurochambers,<br />
the International Chamber of Commerce, SME United,<br />
Eurocommerce, GS1 and many other <strong>in</strong>ternational organisations.<br />
Follow us on twitter @ccci_cyprus.<br />
38, Grivas Digenis Ave. &<br />
3 Deligiorgis Str. Chamber Build<strong>in</strong>g - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Marios Tsiakkis - Secretary General<br />
(+357) 22 660 066<br />
secgen@ccci.org.cy<br />
www.ccci.org.cy<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
CHRIS KOUTOUROUSSIS<br />
PRESIDENT<br />
CYPRUS FIDUCIARY ASSOCIATION<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Fiduciary Association (CYFA), established <strong>in</strong> 2011,<br />
is the representative body of regulated Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Service<br />
Providers (ASP’s) <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. With a vision to assist <strong>in</strong> form<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
solid <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess sector <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> operat<strong>in</strong>g on high<br />
professional standards, ethics and <strong>in</strong>tegrity, the Association aims<br />
to serve <strong>in</strong>dustry providers by promot<strong>in</strong>g their <strong>in</strong>terests, rais<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sector awareness, support<strong>in</strong>g their operations, contribut<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
new legislations and deliver<strong>in</strong>g valuable tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to professionals.<br />
The Association’s commitment to its purpose has established it<br />
among the most reputable and recognised organisations with<strong>in</strong><br />
the country, before public and regulatory authorities, other<br />
associations, as well as the bus<strong>in</strong>ess community <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and<br />
overseas.<br />
6, Emmanuel Roide Street, Fourth floor,<br />
Office 402, 1095, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
(+357) 22 256 263<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@cyfa.org.cy<br />
www.cyfa.org.cy
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
86<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
YIOTA SKITINI-<br />
FLOURENTZOU<br />
PRESIDENT<br />
CYPRUS HEALTHCARE TOURISM (CHT)<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Healthcare Tourism (CHT) is a non-profit organization<br />
that was founded <strong>in</strong> November 2006 after an <strong>in</strong>itiative taken by the<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) aim<strong>in</strong>g to develop<br />
and promote <strong>Cyprus</strong> as a high quality Health Tourism dest<strong>in</strong>ation. The<br />
CHΤ currently has more than 80 members who are actively <strong>in</strong>volved<br />
<strong>in</strong> the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Health Tourism Industry. These vary from state-of-theart<br />
hospitals and cl<strong>in</strong>ics to specialized travel agencies, wellness and<br />
rehabilitation centres as well as consult<strong>in</strong>g firms. Most of the largest<br />
and best equipped hospitals are members of the CHΤ and they are all<br />
licensed by the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Government and comply with EU regulations.<br />
Some of them have moved a step ahead towards ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
accreditations.<br />
38 Grivas Dighenis & 3 Deligiorgis<br />
Street, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
T: (+357) 22 889 744<br />
Contact: Polis Peratikos - Executive Secretary<br />
E: cyprushealth@ccci.org.cy<br />
W: www.cyhealthservices.com<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
HARIS LOIZIDES<br />
PRESIDENT<br />
CYPRUS HOTEL ASSOCIATION<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Hotel Association is the Hoteliers National Trade<br />
Union. The history of its foundation goes back to the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
the 1930s. Today the vast majority of all hotel establishments and<br />
other licensed tourist accommodation units, all over <strong>Cyprus</strong>, are<br />
members of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Hotel Association. The most important<br />
aims of the Association are as follows: The protection and<br />
promotion of the <strong>in</strong>terests of the hoteliers as employers and as<br />
professionals, as well as of the <strong>in</strong>terests of <strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong> general; The<br />
promotion and upgrad<strong>in</strong>g of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> tourism development; The<br />
upgrad<strong>in</strong>g and development of the hotel establishments <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
and the improvement of the professional level of the hoteliers; The<br />
solidarity between its members.<br />
Andreas Araouzos Str., No 12,<br />
Hesperides Build<strong>in</strong>g, 1076 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Philokypros Roussounides<br />
- Director General<br />
(+357) 22 452 820<br />
cha@cyprushotelassociation.org<br />
www.cyprushotelassociation.org<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
DOXIA NIKIA<br />
HADJIVASSILIOU<br />
PRESIDENT<br />
CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSES ASSOCIATION<br />
CIBA is a non-governmental, fully <strong>in</strong>dependent association,<br />
f<strong>in</strong>anced by membership fees only. Its activities and <strong>in</strong>itiatives are<br />
organised and carried out by its General Secretary and Executive<br />
Committee of (max.) 12 persons. CIBA represents and safeguards<br />
the <strong>in</strong>terests of the <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>esses, their shareholders,<br />
managers and staff. The authorities recognize that CIBA<br />
represents the whole of the <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess community<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and that it is <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g compromises<br />
between the required EU-driven legislation and <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess requirements. CIBA annually awards the prestigious<br />
CIBA Excellence award to a member company that fulfils the<br />
specific criteria as set out by the Association.<br />
10 Pikionis Street, Highsight House<br />
3075 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Andreas Pishias - General Secretary<br />
(+357) 25 583 400<br />
ciba@ciba-cy.org<br />
www.ciba-cy.org<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
ANDREAS YIASEMIDES<br />
PRESIDENT<br />
CYPRUS INVESTMENT FUNDS ASSOCIATION (CIFA)<br />
CIFA is the Association of professionals, bus<strong>in</strong>esses, and<br />
organizations <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the Investment Funds and Asset<br />
Management Sector <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. CIFA has nearly 400 members, legal<br />
and physical. The Mission of CIFA is to: Help its members capitalize<br />
on <strong>in</strong>dustry trends; Shape regulation; Enhance professionalism,<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegrity, and quality and Promote the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Investment Fund<br />
Industry. The Board is comprised of highly reputable <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
professionals experienced <strong>in</strong> all aspects of the <strong>in</strong>dustry. CIFA is<br />
a full member of the European Funds and Asset Management<br />
Association and the International Investment Funds Association.<br />
The fund <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been on a cont<strong>in</strong>uous <strong>in</strong>crease,<br />
with Assets under Management exceed<strong>in</strong>g €11 billion.<br />
Severis Build<strong>in</strong>g, 9 Makarios III Ave.,<br />
4th Floor, Lefkosia 1065 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Maria Panayiotou - Board Secretary<br />
(+357) 22 441 133<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@cifacyprus.org<br />
www.cifacyprus.org
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
87<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
THOMAS A. KAZAKOS<br />
DIRECTOR GENERAL<br />
CYPRUS SHIPPING CHAMBER<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Shipp<strong>in</strong>g Chamber is the trade association of the<br />
Shipp<strong>in</strong>g Industry <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The ma<strong>in</strong> purpose of the Chamber<br />
is to promote the <strong>in</strong>terests of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Shipp<strong>in</strong>g and to further<br />
the reputation of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> flag. The Chamber also acts as a<br />
lobby<strong>in</strong>g group for the promotion and safeguard of the legitimate<br />
<strong>in</strong>terests of its Member-companies, at national and <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
level. On the local front, the Chamber co-operates very closely<br />
with the Government <strong>in</strong> all shipp<strong>in</strong>g related matters. Moreover,<br />
the Chamber operates as a rov<strong>in</strong>g ambassador of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Shipp<strong>in</strong>g through its membership and active participation at<br />
the International Chamber of Shipp<strong>in</strong>g (ICS) and the European<br />
Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA).<br />
City Chambers, 6 Regas Fereos Str.<br />
P.O.Box 56607, 3309, Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Thomas A. Kazakos<br />
– Director General<br />
(+357) 25 360 717<br />
csc@csc-cy.org<br />
www.csc-cy.org<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
MICHAEL FILIPPOU<br />
CEO<br />
CYPRUS UNION OF SHIPOWNERS (CUS)<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Union of Shipowners, as the major representative<br />
Organization of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Flag vessels, is committed to the firm<br />
growth of our National Registry and the establishment of Limassol<br />
as a world-class Maritime Centre. The cooperation between<br />
our Union, the Shipp<strong>in</strong>g Deputy M<strong>in</strong>istry and the M<strong>in</strong>istry of<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ance resulted to an exceptional Framework that <strong>in</strong>duced<br />
prom<strong>in</strong>ent Shipp<strong>in</strong>g Companies, P&I Clubs and other Shipp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
related Service Providers to establish management offices <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>. Moreover, the solidification of the global reach of our<br />
Union and its <strong>in</strong>stitutional status has curved our participation <strong>in</strong><br />
IMO Committees, as Government Consultants, both mandatory<br />
and effective.<br />
17, Gordonos Str., Suite 301,<br />
3070 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Kater<strong>in</strong>a Michael - PR Manager<br />
(+357) 25 818 161<br />
cus@cus.com.cy<br />
www.cus.com.cy<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
EVANGELOS<br />
ANASTASIADES<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF CYPRUS<br />
The Insurance Association of <strong>Cyprus</strong> is the accredited and<br />
representative body of the Cypriot <strong>in</strong>surance <strong>in</strong>dustry, with 29<br />
member <strong>in</strong>surance companies operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, account<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for approximately 98% of total gross written premiums. As<br />
the lead<strong>in</strong>g and united voice of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong>surance market<br />
its mission is to promote the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s views and positions to<br />
policymakers and legislators. It is also particularly active with<br />
respect to work aim<strong>in</strong>g at the modernization of the sector, the<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>uous improvement of the level and quality of service to the<br />
public, the enhancement of consumers’ trust and confidence <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>surance products and their providers, and the strengthen<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
the <strong>in</strong>stitution of <strong>in</strong>surance.<br />
23, Zenon Sozos str., 1st floor<br />
1075 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Andreas Athanasiades<br />
– Director General<br />
(+357) 22 452 990<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@iac.org.cy<br />
www.iac.org.cy<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
STELLA KAMMITSI<br />
STEP CYPRUS CHAIRWOMAN<br />
SOCIETY OF TRUST AND ESTATE PRACTITIONERS (STEP)<br />
STEP is the global professional association for practitioners who<br />
specialise <strong>in</strong> family <strong>in</strong>heritance and succession plann<strong>in</strong>g. STEP<br />
works to improve public understand<strong>in</strong>g of the issues families<br />
face <strong>in</strong> this area and promotes education and high professional<br />
standards among its members. STEP members help families<br />
plan for their futures, from draft<strong>in</strong>g a will to advis<strong>in</strong>g on issues<br />
concern<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational families, protection of the vulnerable,<br />
family bus<strong>in</strong>esses and philanthropic giv<strong>in</strong>g. Today STEP has<br />
more than 20,000 members across 96 countries from a range of<br />
professions, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g lawyers, accountants and other specialists.<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> branch of STEP numbers over 185 experienced<br />
professionals from all over <strong>Cyprus</strong>, and is active <strong>in</strong> the spread of<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry related knowledge, through regular conferences and<br />
presentations.<br />
P.O.Box 24789, 1303 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
itsi - STEP <strong>Cyprus</strong> Chairwoman<br />
(+357) 22 777 787<br />
Contact: Stella Kammitsi<br />
skammitsi@raza.com.cy<br />
www.step.org
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
88<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
ANTONIS ANTONIOU<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
THE CYPRUS EMPLOYERS AND<br />
INDUSTRIALISTS FEDERATION (OEB)<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) was<br />
founded <strong>in</strong> 1960. Today, its members are active <strong>in</strong> all sectors of<br />
the economy and employ more than 60% of the private sector’s<br />
workforce. OEB is a pancyprian <strong>in</strong>dependent organisation<br />
compris<strong>in</strong>g of more than 100 of the ma<strong>in</strong> professional / sectoral<br />
Associations, as well as hundreds of companies from the<br />
Agricultural, Manufactur<strong>in</strong>g, Construction, Commercial and<br />
Services Sectors. In total, OEB has more than 10.000 Members<br />
/ Enterprises. OEB is established as a dynamic force <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>’<br />
socio - economic development and welfare and acts as the ma<strong>in</strong><br />
advocate and representative of the bus<strong>in</strong>ess community.<br />
`<br />
years<br />
4, <strong>Cyprus</strong> Employers & Industrialists<br />
Federation Street, 2000 Nicosia /<br />
P.O.Box 21657, 1511 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Michalis Antoniou - Director General<br />
(+357) 22 643 000<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@oeb.org.cy<br />
www.oeb.org.cy<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
KYRIAKOS KYRIAKOU<br />
PRESIDENT<br />
THE CYPRUS TECH ASSOCIATION<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Tech Association, a non-for-profit entity, aspires<br />
to provide a dynamic platform for all tech professionals and<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational ICT companies established <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> to discuss,<br />
promote, and address common challenges. It also provides a<br />
formal representation to all its members to forums, public and<br />
private entities, as well as offers direction on key strategic issues,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the economic importance of the ICT sector and policy<br />
advocacy.<br />
Makariou III Avenue,<br />
4th Floor, 1065 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
(+357) 22 441 133<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@techcyprus.org.cy<br />
www.cyprustechassociation.org.cy<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
KYRIAKOS IORDANOU<br />
GENERAL MANAGER<br />
THE INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC<br />
ACCOUNTANTS OF CYPRUS (ICPAC)<br />
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of <strong>Cyprus</strong> (ICPAC) is the<br />
competent authority for regulat<strong>in</strong>g the account<strong>in</strong>g profession and the<br />
sole recognised body of Auditors by the state <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Established <strong>in</strong><br />
1961, ICPAC currently has more than 5.500 professional accountants<br />
as members and 3.500 students. ICPAC houses all professional<br />
accountants, supports and promotes the activities and <strong>in</strong>terests of the<br />
accountancy profession, safeguards the reputation of the profession<br />
and adherence to the Code of Ethics, as well as provides for the<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>uous professional development and updat<strong>in</strong>g of members. In<br />
addition, ICPAC is also a competent authority under the Anti-Money<br />
Launder<strong>in</strong>g law, the laws on the Regulation of Enterprises Provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Services and the Insolvency Practitioners Law, as well<br />
as one of the primary stakeholders of the economy of the country.<br />
11 Byron Avenue, CY-1096, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Kyriakos Iordanou<br />
– General Manager<br />
(+357) 22 870 030<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@icpac.org.cy<br />
www.icpac.org.cy<br />
BANKING<br />
PANICOS NICOLAOU<br />
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />
BANK OF CYPRUS PLC<br />
Established <strong>in</strong> 1899, Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong> is currently the lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bank<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>ancial services Group <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, operat<strong>in</strong>g 64<br />
branches <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and representative offices <strong>in</strong> Russia, Ukra<strong>in</strong>e<br />
an Ch<strong>in</strong>a. The Bank is the only f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitution <strong>in</strong> the region<br />
that is concurrently regulated by three different corporate<br />
governance codes (UK Corporate Governance Code, <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Code and Central Bank<br />
of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Internal Governance Directive) and <strong>in</strong> four different<br />
European jurisdictions (<strong>Cyprus</strong>, Ireland, the UK and the EU).<br />
Through the Wealth Services Division we offer a wide range of<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment products and specialized services, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Private<br />
Bank<strong>in</strong>g, Affluent Bank<strong>in</strong>g, Institutional Wealth & Custody,<br />
Brokerage & Asset Management as well as Investment Bank<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
51 Stass<strong>in</strong>ou, 2002 Strovolos,<br />
Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Emilios Tannousis -<br />
Manager Wealth Management<br />
(+357) 22 128 000<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@bankofcyprus.com<br />
www.bankofcyprus.com
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
89<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
BANKING<br />
LOUCAS MARANGOS<br />
CEO<br />
CDBBANK (THE CYPRUS DEVELOPMENT<br />
BANK PUBLIC COMPANY LTD)<br />
Founded <strong>in</strong> 1963, cdbbank (<strong>Cyprus</strong> Development Bank) is today one<br />
of the country’s lead<strong>in</strong>g niche f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions dedicated to<br />
satisfy<strong>in</strong>g the needs of domestic and <strong>in</strong>ternational clients. cdbbank<br />
offers a wide range of specialised f<strong>in</strong>ancial services and products,<br />
designed to accommodate the sophisticated requirements of its<br />
clientele which consists of corporate and <strong>in</strong>stitutional clients and<br />
high net worth <strong>in</strong>dividuals. The Bank’s vision is to be the reference<br />
Bank for bus<strong>in</strong>esspeople. Rely<strong>in</strong>g on its long-term experience and<br />
high level of expertise, cdbbank aspires to establish long-term<br />
relationships of trust with its clients, always deliver<strong>in</strong>g excellence<br />
and value.<br />
50 Arch. Makarios III Ave.,<br />
1065 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Liza Philippou - Head, Network<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> and Communication<br />
(+357) 22 846 500<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@cdb.com.cy<br />
www.cdb.com.cy<br />
BANKING<br />
MICHALIS LOUIS<br />
CEO<br />
EUROBANK CYPRUS LTD<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce the commencement of our operations <strong>in</strong> August 2007,<br />
we have achieved impressive growth rates, while consistently<br />
demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g healthy profitability, as well as, a strong capital<br />
base and liquidity position. We currently operate a network of eight<br />
Bank<strong>in</strong>g Centers across the island. With tailor-made products and<br />
services based on our clients’ needs, our bus<strong>in</strong>ess model sets us<br />
apart from our competitors, focus<strong>in</strong>g on the areas of Corporate<br />
Bank<strong>in</strong>g, Wealth Management, International <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Bank<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
Shipp<strong>in</strong>g, Global Markets and Affluent Bank<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
28, Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue,<br />
1075 Nicosia, P.O Box 27236,<br />
1643 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
(+357) 22 208 000<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@eurobank.com.cy<br />
www.eurobank.com.cy<br />
BANKING<br />
KHALIL LETAYF<br />
CEO<br />
SOCIETE GENERALE BANK – CYPRUS<br />
Societe General Bank – <strong>Cyprus</strong> (SGBCy) draws on more than thirty<br />
years of accumulated experience <strong>in</strong> global bank<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> as<br />
well as all the advantages of be<strong>in</strong>g part of an <strong>in</strong>ternational Group.<br />
The bank is present <strong>in</strong> the most important big cities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>:<br />
Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. SGBCy activities are organized<br />
around private bank<strong>in</strong>g, corporate bank<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses. Bank<strong>in</strong>g services encompass a wide range of<br />
diversified, standard and tailor-made services that are conceived<br />
to answer the broadest range of customers’ needs. The bank<br />
pursues long-term relationships with its high net worth and<br />
corporate customers <strong>in</strong> order to meet fully their expectations.<br />
88 Dighenis Akritas & 36 Kypranoros<br />
Street, 1061 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Hovik Arslanian -<br />
Assistant General Manager<br />
(+357) 80 007 777<br />
Hovik.Arslanian@sgbcy.com<br />
www.sgcyprus.com<br />
CONSULTING<br />
CHARLES ELLINAS<br />
CEO<br />
E-CNHC – E-C NATURAL HYDROCARBONS COMPANY LTD<br />
The company provides advisory, project management and<br />
consultancy services <strong>in</strong> the oil & gas and energy sectors and aims<br />
to contribute to the successful development of these Sectors for<br />
the future of <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The CEO has over 35-years <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
experience <strong>in</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g and develop<strong>in</strong>g oil & gas bus<strong>in</strong>ess and<br />
projects spann<strong>in</strong>g Europe, Asia and Africa. We can assist our clients<br />
<strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g their bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, evaluat<strong>in</strong>g opportunities<br />
and provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> depth professional advice and support.<br />
11 Tyrtaiou Street, 1087 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Dr Charles Ell<strong>in</strong>as - CEO<br />
(+357) 97 705 060<br />
Charles.ell<strong>in</strong>as@yahoo.com<br />
www.e-cnhc.com
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
90<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
CONSULTING<br />
PANAYIOTIS GREGORIADES<br />
CEO & DIRECTOR<br />
PIVOT CONSULTANTS (CYPRUS) LIMITED<br />
We are a lead<strong>in</strong>g contributor of simplified, nimble <strong>in</strong>tegrated,<br />
customized solutions, Cross-border <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> transactions and<br />
strategies <strong>in</strong> Asia and Europe. Deep well recognized local expertise<br />
with Global connectivity and vision form part of the solutions<br />
we deliver to entrepreneurs and Government clients look<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for substance <strong>in</strong> F<strong>in</strong>ancial services Industry, Capital markets,<br />
Taxation, Corporate advisory and Investment funds Industry. Our<br />
<strong>in</strong>sights assist you to be more proactive, effective and profitable<br />
especially <strong>in</strong> fast grow<strong>in</strong>g India, Greece and <strong>Cyprus</strong>. We are<br />
committed to provid<strong>in</strong>g best <strong>in</strong> class service, compliant and<br />
transparent solutions, with <strong>in</strong>creased focus on localization and<br />
develop<strong>in</strong>g local markets.<br />
<br />
<br />
PIVOT, member of TSSAG<br />
<br />
88 Markarios III Avenue<br />
1077 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Panayiotis Gregoriades<br />
The - CEO & Director<br />
(+357) 22 731 002<br />
The Securities Services Advisory Group<br />
pgregoriades@pivotcyprus.com<br />
www.pivotcyprus.com<br />
<br />
<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
EVDOKIA STAVRAKI<br />
DIRECTOR<br />
ALTER DOMUS (CYPRUS) LTD<br />
Alter Domus is a fully <strong>in</strong>tegrated service provider dedicated to<br />
private equity, <strong>in</strong>frastructure, real asset, and debt capital markets<br />
sectors. Our 3,600 employees across more than 35 offices <strong>in</strong> 20<br />
countries provide end-to-end solutions to alternative <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
managers, free<strong>in</strong>g up time for them to focus on their core activities<br />
of sourc<strong>in</strong>g capital and execut<strong>in</strong>g deals. Our local team <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
works diligently to help clients meet their grow<strong>in</strong>g regulatory<br />
obligations and keep up with <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestor demands.<br />
Offer<strong>in</strong>g fund adm<strong>in</strong>istration, corporate services, transfer pric<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
and domiciliation services, you can rely on our on-the-ground<br />
expertise to help you take advantage of opportunities as they arise.<br />
11 Limassol Avenue, Galatariotis Build<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
2112, PO Box 27282, 1643 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Evdokia Stavraki - Director<br />
(+357) 22 465 151<br />
Evdokia.Stavraki-Stephanou@<br />
alterdomus.com<br />
www.alterdomus.com<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
NAKIS KYPRIANOU<br />
MANAGING PARTNER<br />
ANDERSEN<br />
Andersen <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> is the Cypriot member firm of Andersen<br />
Global®, an <strong>in</strong>ternational association of member firms comprised<br />
of tax and legal professionals worldwide. Andersen Cy is a<br />
regulated account<strong>in</strong>g firm based <strong>in</strong> Nicosia provid<strong>in</strong>g a wide range<br />
of professional services ma<strong>in</strong>ly to <strong>in</strong>ternational clients. The firm<br />
is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> and the <strong>Cyprus</strong> VAT Association. With worldwide presence<br />
through the member firms and collaborat<strong>in</strong>g firms of Andersen<br />
Global, client service and solutions are coord<strong>in</strong>ated seamlessly<br />
between service l<strong>in</strong>es and locations to ensure clients receive best<strong>in</strong>‐class,<br />
comprehensive solutions.<br />
140 Athalassas Avenue,<br />
2024 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Nakis Kyprianou<br />
- Manag<strong>in</strong>g Partner<br />
(+357) 22 456 333<br />
nakis.kyprianou@cy.Andersen.com<br />
cy.Andersen.com<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
MARINA ZEVEDEOU<br />
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO<br />
ASPEN TRUST GROUP<br />
The Aspen Trust Group is a lead<strong>in</strong>g corporate service and f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
plann<strong>in</strong>g provider; established <strong>in</strong> 1998 and licensed by ICPAC, our<br />
Group provides International Structur<strong>in</strong>g and Tax Management<br />
solutions to Corporates and High Net Worth Individuals. Specific<br />
services <strong>in</strong>clude entity setup and management, legal and<br />
adm<strong>in</strong>istration support, bank<strong>in</strong>g and tax compliance, f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
management and restructur<strong>in</strong>g, re-domiciliation, patent<br />
registration, residency and citizenship, cross- border mergers,<br />
family office services and headquarter<strong>in</strong>g. We build long term,<br />
trusted relationships with clients and associates, aim<strong>in</strong>g to add<br />
value to their bus<strong>in</strong>esses and be part of their success stories. Our<br />
team consists of qualified accountants, lawyers and MBA-holders<br />
who undergo rigorous tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to provide tailor-made solutions.<br />
77 Limassol Avenue<br />
Elia House, Nicosia 2121 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Mar<strong>in</strong>a Zevedeou -<br />
Co-founder and CEO<br />
(+357) 22 418 730<br />
mar<strong>in</strong>a.zevedeou@aspentrust.com<br />
www.aspentrust.com
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
ANDREAS ATHINODOROU<br />
CEO<br />
ATG CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
‘Creat<strong>in</strong>g Protect<strong>in</strong>g and Grow<strong>in</strong>g Wealth’: We offer a<br />
comprehensive range of services that <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong>itial structur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
advice, company/trust formation, corporate adm<strong>in</strong>istration, legal<br />
and company secretarial, tax compliance, account<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
report<strong>in</strong>g. As our clients’ trusted service partner, we act as a s<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
contact po<strong>in</strong>t for their structure’s needs and centrally coord<strong>in</strong>ate<br />
all parties <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the shareholders and directors, banks, legal<br />
advisers and others. Our <strong>Cyprus</strong> solutions <strong>in</strong>clude the IP box, EU<br />
headquarter<strong>in</strong>g, tech/crypto-asset solutions and <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
trusts/foundations. ATG Corporate Services is a member of the<br />
Ath<strong>in</strong>a Trust Group offer<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ancial services that <strong>in</strong>clude Fund<br />
and Private Wealth services to high-net-worth <strong>in</strong>dividuals, fund<br />
managers/promoters.<br />
KEMA Bldg, 5th Floor East,<br />
21 Akademias Avenue, 2107,<br />
Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Andreas Ath<strong>in</strong>odorou - CEO<br />
(+357) 22 057 560<br />
andreas.ath<strong>in</strong>odorou@atgcorporate.com<br />
www.atgcorporate.com<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
ANDREAS HADJIMICHAEL<br />
CEO<br />
EXECUTIVE BUSINESS CONSULTANTS LTD<br />
Executive <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Consultants Limited is an <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
Fiduciary and Family Office Service Firm based <strong>in</strong>, and operat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
out of, Larnaca, <strong>Cyprus</strong>. It is a fully <strong>in</strong>dependent and privately<br />
owned service firm hav<strong>in</strong>g its roots established s<strong>in</strong>ce 1987. EBC<br />
operates under a boutique style concept, provid<strong>in</strong>g specialized<br />
and tailor-made solutions and services to High-Net-Worth<br />
Individuals and their corporate structures. S<strong>in</strong>ce its existence<br />
EBC has managed to develop and build strong bus<strong>in</strong>ess l<strong>in</strong>ks with<br />
both local and <strong>in</strong>ternational F<strong>in</strong>ancial Institutions, and other<br />
professionals together creat<strong>in</strong>g a strong worldwide network of<br />
reputable and trusteed associates work<strong>in</strong>g together as a team<br />
to provide our clients the knowledge and expertise required for<br />
satisfy<strong>in</strong>g their needs.<br />
Simou Menardou 8, Ria Court 8, 4th Floor,<br />
Office 402, 6015 Larnaca - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
PO. Box 42633, 6051<br />
Contact: Andreas Hadjimichael - CEO<br />
(+357) 24 823 999<br />
andreas@executive.com.cy<br />
www.executive.com.cy<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
ISAVELLA EVRIPIDOU<br />
CEO/FOUNDER<br />
GFSC GLOBAL<br />
GFSC Global is a lead<strong>in</strong>g Corporate and Legal Group of Companies<br />
Licensed and Regulated Worldwide. S<strong>in</strong>ce our establishment,<br />
GFSC Global assists with a full range of corporate, legal, f<strong>in</strong>ancial,<br />
licens<strong>in</strong>g, gam<strong>in</strong>g, crypto, ico/sto, blockcha<strong>in</strong>, immigration, tax<br />
advice, account<strong>in</strong>g, bank<strong>in</strong>g and adm<strong>in</strong>istration services across<br />
the world. Our services are offered <strong>in</strong> more than 70 jurisdictions,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g advis<strong>in</strong>g, plann<strong>in</strong>g, formation and <strong>in</strong>corporation as<br />
well as management of <strong>in</strong>ternational structures, full licens<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and post-licens<strong>in</strong>g supports. Through our Licensed Service<br />
Providers, professional Consultants and Tax Advisors, we assist <strong>in</strong><br />
choos<strong>in</strong>g the most convenient jurisdictions, subject to your needs,<br />
operations and bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>tentions. GFSC GLOBAL is a member<br />
with CYFA, CIA, ACAMs, IIA, CIFA and many other associations.<br />
Agias Zonis 22A, Iakovou center,<br />
Office 101, 3027, Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Isavella Evripidou – CEO/Founder<br />
(+357) 25 269 400<br />
Evripidou.i@gfscglobal.com<br />
www.gfscglobal.com, www.gciecorp.com<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
SARA GUNNERVIK<br />
MANAGING PARTNER<br />
KENDRIS (CYPRUS) LIMITED<br />
KENDRIS is your Swiss partner <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> for family office,<br />
trust and fiduciary services, <strong>in</strong>ternational tax and legal advice,<br />
account<strong>in</strong>g, outsourc<strong>in</strong>g, aviation advisory and art management.<br />
KENDRIS is fully owned and operated by its management and<br />
employees. KENDRIS Group employs around 180 specialists,<br />
and our clients comprise companies, <strong>in</strong>dividuals, and families<br />
as well as family offices, f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions, law firms and tax<br />
consultancies. We offer our clients tailored solutions to help them<br />
achieve their objectives. Our strong presence and our specific<br />
know-how <strong>in</strong> various sectors and markets make us an expert<br />
and reliable partner for corporate clients, private clients, and<br />
<strong>in</strong>stitutional clients.<br />
Spyrou Kyprianou 50, Irida 3<br />
12th Floor, Larnaca 6057 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Sara Gunnervik –<br />
Office Manag<strong>in</strong>g Partner<br />
(+357) 24 631 300<br />
s.gunnervik@kendris.com<br />
www.kendris.com
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
STAVROS PAVLOU<br />
CEO<br />
PAGECORP GROUP<br />
Pagecorp Group is a lead<strong>in</strong>g provider of corporate,<br />
adm<strong>in</strong>istration, secretarial and other related services based<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, with a worldwide network of professional affiliates.<br />
Licensed by the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Securities and Exchange Commission<br />
(CySEC) and with over 20 years of experience <strong>in</strong> the fiduciary<br />
and corporate services sector, the Group advises major local<br />
and <strong>in</strong>ternational organizations, <strong>in</strong>stitutions and groups, as<br />
well as start-ups and entrepreneurs on all aspects of their<br />
corporate needs, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g relocat<strong>in</strong>g/headquarter<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
Furthermore, the legal consultants, company adm<strong>in</strong>istrators,<br />
accountants and support staff of the Group can assist clients on<br />
all matters relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>Cyprus</strong> International Trusts, <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
tax plann<strong>in</strong>g, account<strong>in</strong>g, f<strong>in</strong>ancial advisory, tax adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />
and other related services.<br />
334 Agiou Andreou & Eleftheriou Venizelou<br />
corner, Vashiotis <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Centre, Ground<br />
floor offices, 3035 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Stavros Pavlou - CEO<br />
(+357) 25 878 866<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@pagecorpgroup.com<br />
www.pagecorpgroup.com<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
GEORGE AYIOMAMITIS<br />
MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />
SOVEREIGN GROUP - CYPRUS<br />
Sovereign is a lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dependent provider of corporate,<br />
private client and retirement plann<strong>in</strong>g services. Currently<br />
manag<strong>in</strong>g over 20,000 structures for a wide variety of clients –<br />
companies, entrepreneurs, private <strong>in</strong>vestors or high net worth<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals (HNWIs) and their families – and have assets under<br />
adm<strong>in</strong>istration <strong>in</strong> excess of £20 billion. As an <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
provider with a presence <strong>in</strong> over 20 jurisdictions around the<br />
world, Sovereign is dedicated to offer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tegrated advice,<br />
products and services to <strong>in</strong>ternationally mobile bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
and people that have sophisticated and often complex needs.<br />
Sovereign assist them to generate, structure and protect their<br />
<strong>in</strong>come and assets <strong>in</strong> the most efficient way.<br />
16 Herodotou Street,<br />
Limassol, 3095 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: George Ayiomamitis<br />
- Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />
(+357) 25 733 440<br />
cy@SovereignGroup.com<br />
www.SovereignGroup.com<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
ANDREAS MERCOURI<br />
MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />
TRIDENT TRUST COMPANY (CYPRUS) LIMITED<br />
Founded <strong>in</strong> 1978, the Trident Trust Group is one of the largest<br />
<strong>in</strong>dependent global providers of corporate, trust, fund, mar<strong>in</strong>e and<br />
fiduciary services. With presence <strong>in</strong> more than 24 Jurisdictions<br />
ensures access to a range of services that extends from traditional<br />
corporate domicile representation to the adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />
of complex trust and fund structures. Trident Trust <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
established its presence over 25 years ago, is regulated by the<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Securities and Exchange Commission, and is today one<br />
of the largest members of the local f<strong>in</strong>ancial services <strong>in</strong>dustry,<br />
employ<strong>in</strong>g over 80 professionally qualified staff.<br />
Griva Digeni 115, Trident Centre<br />
3101 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Andreas Mercouri -<br />
Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />
(+357) 25 820 650<br />
cyprus@tridenttrust.com<br />
www.tridenttrust.com<br />
CORPORATE SERVICES<br />
NICK TERRY<br />
MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />
VISTRA (CYPRUS) LTD<br />
At Vistra, we believe your bus<strong>in</strong>ess and your people can make a<br />
difference <strong>in</strong> the world. That’s why our work is focused on help<strong>in</strong>g<br />
our clients act with confidence and speed to seize opportunity<br />
wherever it arises. As a global corporate service provider and<br />
fund adm<strong>in</strong>istrator with more than 5,000 professionals <strong>in</strong> over 45<br />
jurisdictions, we empower legal entities globally to work smarter,<br />
grow faster, act responsibly, protect capital and scale across<br />
borders — by do<strong>in</strong>g what we do best: reduc<strong>in</strong>g risk and enhanc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
efficiency. Discover how we can help you and your bus<strong>in</strong>ess seize<br />
opportunity today by explor<strong>in</strong>g our services at vistra.com.<br />
2nd Floor Sotiri Tof<strong>in</strong>i 4<br />
Agios Athanasios, 4102 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Nick Terry - Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />
(+357) 25 817 411<br />
Nick.Terry@vistra.com<br />
www.vistra.com
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
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SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS<br />
FIONA MULLEN<br />
DIRECTOR<br />
SAPIENTA ECONOMICS LTD<br />
Sapienta Economics is a Nicosia-based economic consultancy<br />
produc<strong>in</strong>g top-level analysis primarily on <strong>Cyprus</strong> for a range<br />
of prestigious clients, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g banks, oil/gas majors, big four<br />
account<strong>in</strong>g firms and over a dozen embassies. Our services<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude bespoke consultancy and the monthly Sapienta Country<br />
Analysis <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Each month we take an <strong>in</strong>-depth look at prospects<br />
for political stability, government effectiveness, a resolution of the<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> problem, structural policies <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g natural gas, fiscal<br />
performance, debt susta<strong>in</strong>ability, bank<strong>in</strong>g sector stability and the<br />
latest economic trends. No other organization offers such breadth<br />
and depth of <strong>in</strong>ter-related issues. Sapienta Economics and its<br />
Director Fiona Mullen are <strong>in</strong>dependent, with no political ties <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> or abroad and no <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> shares or bonds.<br />
Tenedou 7, No 401, Lykavitos,<br />
CY1055 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Fiona Mullen - Director<br />
(+357) 99 338 224<br />
fiona.mullen@sapientaeconomics.com<br />
www.sapientaeconomics.com<br />
ENERGY<br />
DEMETRIS C. FESSAS<br />
ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL<br />
CYPRUS HYDROCARBONS COMPANY (CHC)<br />
CHC is the National Oil and Gas Company of <strong>Cyprus</strong>. As a stateowned<br />
company, CHC undertakes the commercial management<br />
of the ownership rights of the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> that arise from<br />
the contracts with which it has entered <strong>in</strong>to with oil and gas<br />
companies with<strong>in</strong> its Exclusive Economic Zone. The vision of<br />
CHC is aligned with that of the Government of <strong>Cyprus</strong>, which is<br />
to ensure the susta<strong>in</strong>able development of hydrocarbon resources<br />
present <strong>in</strong> the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong>,<br />
<strong>in</strong> order to maximize the benefits for Cypriot society and future<br />
generations.<br />
53 Strovolou Avenue, Victory Build<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
2018 Strovolos, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Demetris Fessas –<br />
Act<strong>in</strong>g Director General<br />
(+357) 22 203 880<br />
d.fessas@chc.com.cy<br />
www.chc.com.cy<br />
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION<br />
MARIOS SIATHAS<br />
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />
EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE (EIMF)<br />
The EIMF is an accredited and licensed Education Group that<br />
offers learn<strong>in</strong>g and development opportunities, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Global Qualifications, across an array of areas. EIMF possesses<br />
a strong concentration with<strong>in</strong> the areas of f<strong>in</strong>ancial and<br />
professional services (regulation, compliance, AML, bank<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
funds), account<strong>in</strong>g, legal, management, as well as Information-<br />
Technology through its New Horizons Computer Learn<strong>in</strong>g Centers.<br />
Knowledge is delivered by established subject-matter experts,<br />
through classroom, Live Onl<strong>in</strong>e, eLearn<strong>in</strong>g and customized<br />
learn<strong>in</strong>g solutions. With a presence <strong>in</strong> London, Brussels, Frankfurt,<br />
Belgrade, Copenhagen, Nicosia, Tel Aviv, Athens, Sofia, Dubl<strong>in</strong> and<br />
Bucharest and over 5,000 students annually, 330+ programmes,<br />
60+ <strong>in</strong>structors and 25 <strong>in</strong>ternational Certifications, make the EIMF<br />
a leader <strong>in</strong> the field of vocational education <strong>in</strong> the wider region.<br />
25 Megaron Street, 2032 Strovolos<br />
Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Marios Siathas -<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
(+357) 22 274 470<br />
msiathas@eimf.eu<br />
www.eimf.eu<br />
FINANCIAL ADVISORY<br />
DEMETRIS TAXITARIS<br />
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />
MAP S.PLATIS GROUP<br />
MAP S.Platis Group is a lead<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ancial services consult<strong>in</strong>g Group<br />
with clients that <strong>in</strong>clude regulators, banks, funds and fund managers,<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment firms, brokers, f<strong>in</strong>tech firms, <strong>in</strong>surance firms and payment<br />
and electronic money <strong>in</strong>stitutions. Our expert team, currently<br />
compris<strong>in</strong>g over 400 high-calibre professionals, provides unique<br />
and tailored solutions <strong>in</strong> licens<strong>in</strong>g, regulatory compliance, risk management,<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternal audit, human resources, regulatory technology,<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation technology, bus<strong>in</strong>ess resilience, <strong>in</strong>formation security<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g cybersecurity, governance, executive tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>novation<br />
consult<strong>in</strong>g to f<strong>in</strong>ancial and other firms <strong>in</strong> the UK, <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the<br />
EU. Thanks to our vast regulatory compliance experience, cont<strong>in</strong>ued<br />
<strong>in</strong>teraction with regulatory authorities, unparalleled track record,<br />
global network of associates and wealth of resources, our team can<br />
support any client’s regulatory needs efficiently and effectively.<br />
74 Archiepiskopou Makariou C, Floors 2-3,<br />
Mesa Geitonia, 4003, Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Herodotos Michael - Senior<br />
Manager, Authorisations and Regulatory<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Development (+357) 25 351 335<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@mapsplatis.com<br />
www.mapsplatis.com
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
94<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
FUND ADMINISTRATION<br />
ANDREAS ATHINODOROU<br />
CEO<br />
ATG FUND SERVICES<br />
‘Creat<strong>in</strong>g Protect<strong>in</strong>g and Grow<strong>in</strong>g Wealth’: We offer a<br />
comprehensive range of services <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itial fund structur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
advice, licens<strong>in</strong>g, fund set up, fund management support, fund<br />
adm<strong>in</strong>istration/back-office, registrar transfer agent services, NAV<br />
and regulatory report<strong>in</strong>g. As our clients’ trusted service partner<br />
we act as a s<strong>in</strong>gle contact po<strong>in</strong>t for their structures, centrally<br />
coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g all fund parties <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the fund manager,<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestors, depositary and the regulator. Our clients are <strong>Cyprus</strong>,<br />
Cayman Islands and BVI funds that <strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong> liquid securities,<br />
private equity, real estate, shipp<strong>in</strong>g and crypto assets. ATG Fund<br />
Services is a member of the Ath<strong>in</strong>a Trust Group offer<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
services that <strong>in</strong>clude Corporate and Private Wealth services to<br />
high-net-worth <strong>in</strong>dividuals and corporates.<br />
KEMA Bldg, 5th Floor East,<br />
21 Akademias Avenue, 2107,<br />
Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Andreas Ath<strong>in</strong>odorou - CEO<br />
(+357) 22 057 570<br />
andreas.ath<strong>in</strong>odorou@atgfunds.com<br />
www.atgfunds.com<br />
FUND MANAGEMENT<br />
NIKOLAS CHARALAMBOUS<br />
CEO<br />
INVEQO FUND MANAGEMENT LTD<br />
Inveqo Fund Management Ltd (INVEQO) is an Alternative<br />
Investment Fund Manager, authorised and supervised by the<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) with<br />
license number AIFM32/56/2013. The team br<strong>in</strong>gs together<br />
several years of experience <strong>in</strong> fund and <strong>in</strong>vestment management<br />
services <strong>in</strong> various jurisdictions such as the United K<strong>in</strong>gdom,<br />
Malta, Luxembourg and <strong>Cyprus</strong>. INVEQO provides a range of<br />
services, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g portfolio management, risk management,<br />
adm<strong>in</strong>istration, fund set-up, licens<strong>in</strong>g and registration, and<br />
other fund related services. Our mission is to create value for our<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestors, clients and associates by demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>cipled<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry leadership, offer<strong>in</strong>g high-quality services, and <strong>in</strong>novative<br />
solutions.<br />
16 Navar<strong>in</strong>ou Street, Agios Andreas<br />
CY-1100, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Nikolas Charalambous - CEO<br />
(+357) 22 666 500<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@<strong>in</strong>veqo.net<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>veqo.net<br />
FUND MANAGEMENT<br />
MARIA PAPAKOKKINOU<br />
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR<br />
IXI INVESTMENTS<br />
IXI Investments is authorized by CySEC as an Alternative<br />
Investment Fund Manager, focused on achiev<strong>in</strong>g capital growth<br />
with relatively low drawdowns and low correlation and by actively<br />
manag<strong>in</strong>g exposures <strong>in</strong> the G10 currencies and gold. IXI applies a<br />
robust <strong>in</strong>-house developed <strong>in</strong>vestment process and an efficient<br />
execution framework that allows it to tap <strong>in</strong>to the FX market <strong>in</strong> a<br />
timely and systematic manner, from the signal generation stage<br />
to trades execution. IXI employs sophisticated computational<br />
systems for its trad<strong>in</strong>g and execution algorithms which implement<br />
advanced quantitative, mathematical, and statistical models.<br />
Syntagmatos Square, Old Port, Build<strong>in</strong>g X1,<br />
1ST Floor, 3042 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Maria Papakokk<strong>in</strong>ou - COO<br />
(+357) 25 262 669<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@ixi.com<br />
www.ixi.com<br />
FUND MANAGEMENT<br />
ANDREY NARUTSKIY<br />
MANAGING DIRECTOR, CEO<br />
LEON MFO INVESTMENTS LTD<br />
Leon MFO Investments Ltd is an Alternative Investment Fund<br />
Manager authorized and regulated by CySEC (license number<br />
AIFM 37/56/2013). The firm provides discretionary portfolio<br />
management, fund management and <strong>in</strong>vestment advice. Total<br />
assets under management exceed $800mln. Recently, Leon<br />
launched two funds which are addressed to professional and well<strong>in</strong>formed<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestors: a) LEON Income Fund RAIF VCIC PLC and b)<br />
LEON Global Hedge Fund RAIF VCIC PLC.<br />
37, Theklas Lisioti, Gem<strong>in</strong>i House,<br />
Office 301, CY-3030, Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Andrey Narutskiy -<br />
Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director, CEO<br />
(+357) 25 268 120<br />
leonmfo@leonmfo.com<br />
www.leon<strong>in</strong>vestments.com.cy
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
95<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
FUND MANAGEMENT<br />
GEORGE W. SAMS<br />
CEO<br />
WEALTH FUND SERVICES LTD<br />
Wealth Fund Services Ltd is a global advisory and asset<br />
management company, based <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and licensed by<br />
CySEC (<strong>Cyprus</strong> Securities & Exchange Commission) as an AIFM<br />
management company with license No 6/78/2012. It operates<br />
<strong>in</strong> the field of sett<strong>in</strong>g-up, runn<strong>in</strong>g and manag<strong>in</strong>g UCITS Mutual<br />
Fund, Registered Alternative Fund (RAIF) and Alternative<br />
Investment Fund (AIF) <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with the recent EU Directive which is<br />
implemented by the Cypriot legislation. It also offers Discretionary<br />
Asset management and Advisory services to HNI and Institutional<br />
clients. The primary goal of the Company is the protection of the<br />
assets under management rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g focused on achiev<strong>in</strong>g high<br />
return yields and provid<strong>in</strong>g top quality services to its <strong>in</strong>vestors.<br />
Kennedy 12-14, Kennedy <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Center<br />
Office 305, 1087, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: George Sams - CEO<br />
(+357) 22 755 506-07<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@wealthfs.com.cy<br />
www.wealthfs.com.cy<br />
INVESTMENT PROMOTION<br />
EVGENIOS EVGENIOU<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
INVEST CYPRUS<br />
Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong> (<strong>Cyprus</strong> Investment Promotion Agency) is the<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment authority of the Government of <strong>Cyprus</strong> dedicated to<br />
attract and facilitate foreign direct <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>to the country.<br />
In close collaboration with all governmental authorities and<br />
public <strong>in</strong>stitutions, as well as the private sector, Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong> is<br />
the country’s lead agent <strong>in</strong> establish<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Cyprus</strong> as a world-class<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation for <strong>in</strong>ternational bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity and <strong>in</strong>vestments.<br />
Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ mandate is to raise awareness of <strong>Cyprus</strong> as a<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation for FDI across the globe, provid<strong>in</strong>g certa<strong>in</strong>ty around all<br />
aspects of operat<strong>in</strong>g a bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and support<strong>in</strong>g potential<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestors <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g their bus<strong>in</strong>ess case for <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
country.<br />
9 Makariou III Avenue,<br />
4th Floor, 1065 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
(+357) 22 441 133<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@<strong>in</strong>vestcyprus.org.cy<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>vestcyprus.org.cy<br />
INVESTMENT SERVICES<br />
JOHNY ABUAITAH<br />
CEO<br />
WINDSOR BROKERS LTD<br />
W<strong>in</strong>dsor Brokers was established <strong>in</strong> Limassol <strong>Cyprus</strong> with roots<br />
dat<strong>in</strong>g back to 1988. The Company was the first Cypriot Investment<br />
Firm of its type to be licensed and regulated by the Central Bank<br />
of <strong>Cyprus</strong>, and by 2004, it was regulated by the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Securities<br />
and Exchange Commission. Our company’s mission is to empower<br />
people <strong>in</strong> the pursuit of their f<strong>in</strong>ancial goals. For over three<br />
decades, we have rema<strong>in</strong>ed committed to serv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestors who<br />
place security, <strong>in</strong>tegrity, and reliability at the forefront of their<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment goals.<br />
W<strong>in</strong>dsor Brokers <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Center,<br />
Spyrou Kyprianou 53, Mesa Geitonia<br />
4003 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Jabra Serieh - Director of Market<strong>in</strong>g<br />
(+357) 25 500 700<br />
Jabra.Serieh@W<strong>in</strong>dsorBrokers.eu<br />
www.w<strong>in</strong>dsorbrokers.eu<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
ANGELOS G. PAPHITIS<br />
MANAGING PARTNER<br />
A.G.PAPHITIS & CO. LLC<br />
AGP & Co is a highly reputable, lead<strong>in</strong>g, dynamic and award<br />
w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g Law Firm. Our reputation for excellence is recognized<br />
worldwide. Based <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> with strong <strong>in</strong>ternational presence<br />
and a full service office <strong>in</strong> the UAE, we serve our clients as a team,<br />
with a common focus on <strong>in</strong>novation, efficiency and agility. We<br />
provide full service Legal, Corporate, FS Advisory & Regulatory<br />
Compliance/AML, Crypto Licens<strong>in</strong>g, Tax, Immigration, Relocation<br />
and Real Estate services. AGP & Co consists of the follow<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong><br />
departments: Dispute Resolution; Corporate/Commercial; FS<br />
Advisory & Regulatory Compliance; Real Estate & Immigration;<br />
Tax-Account<strong>in</strong>g-Audit. Deliver<strong>in</strong>g excellent client service that<br />
benefits from long and last<strong>in</strong>g relationships, we are dedicated to<br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g our clients with superior results.<br />
“AGP Chambers”, 84 Spyrou<br />
Kyprianou Avenue,<br />
4004 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Postal Address: P.O.Box 58419,<br />
3734 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Angelos G. Paphitis<br />
- Manag<strong>in</strong>g Partner<br />
(+357) 25 731 000<br />
angelos.paphitis@agplaw.com<br />
www.agplaw.com
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
96<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
AGNI LIVERA<br />
MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />
AGNI LIVERA LLC<br />
Agni Livera LLC is a highly experienced and fully serviced law firm,<br />
based <strong>in</strong> Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Agni Livera LLC offers a complete array<br />
of legal services specialis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the areas of Bank<strong>in</strong>g & F<strong>in</strong>ance,<br />
Company law, Insurance law, Debt Collection, Employment law,<br />
Intellectual Property, Fund services, Regulatory and Compliance<br />
services as well as a full range of Fiduciary services. Follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a client centric approach, the firms’ high-caliber lawyers are<br />
equipped to accommodate all your legal needs, offer<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
highest level of service and advice applicable <strong>in</strong> a fast and costefficient<br />
way, always operat<strong>in</strong>g with discretion, professionalism,<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegrity and transparency.<br />
1-3 Bouboul<strong>in</strong>as Street, Bouboul<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Build<strong>in</strong>g, 3rd Floor, Office 34,<br />
1060 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Agni Livera – Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />
(+357) 22 552 733<br />
agni@liveralaw.com<br />
www.liveralaw.com<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
LORENZO TOFFOLONI<br />
PARTNER<br />
ANDREAS TH. SOFOKLEOUS LLC<br />
With nearly 40 years of experience, Andreas Th. Sofokleous<br />
LLC is a dynamic and modern boutique law firm. Andreas Th.<br />
Sofokleous LLC has been ranked on top-notch legal directories<br />
(such as Chambers and Partners) and received accomplishments<br />
from different organizations. The firm specializes <strong>in</strong> private client<br />
matters and corporate law (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g cross border transactions). It<br />
regularly advises high net worth <strong>in</strong>dividuals on a range of matters,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g tax plann<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>heritance and asset management.<br />
2, Agap<strong>in</strong>oros Street & Makariou III,<br />
IRIS TOWER, Offices 403-405,<br />
1076, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Lorenzo Toffoloni - Partner<br />
(+357) 22 763 601<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@aslaw.eu<br />
www.aslaw.eu<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
ANTONIS PASCHALIDES<br />
SENIOR PARTNER: HEAD OF<br />
ENERGY LAW DEPARTMENT<br />
ANTONIS PASCHALIDES & CO LLC<br />
Antonis Paschalides & Co LLC is a boutique, medium-size law firm<br />
based <strong>in</strong> Nicosia that has provided legal services on a local and<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational level for over 40 years. The Firm has associates <strong>in</strong><br />
UK, Russia, Greece and France. The trust of clients and associates<br />
<strong>in</strong> the high quality of work provided by the Firm is reflected on<br />
the projects <strong>in</strong> which it is <strong>in</strong>volved, and which <strong>in</strong>clude some of<br />
the biggest <strong>in</strong>vestments ever made <strong>in</strong> Russia and Eastern Europe.<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> areas of practice: Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Law,<br />
Bank<strong>in</strong>g, Civil & Commercial litigation, Family Law, Conveyance &<br />
Estate Plann<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Makariou & Ayias Elenis 36,<br />
Galaxias Build<strong>in</strong>g, 5th floor, Office<br />
502, 1061 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Lila Kartelia, Head of<br />
Litigation Department<br />
(+357) 22 661 661<br />
l.kartelia@paschalides.com<br />
www.paschalides.com<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
ARETI CHARIDEMOU<br />
FOUNDER<br />
ARETI CHARIDEMOU & ASSOCIATES LLC<br />
Areti Charidemou & Associates LLC was established <strong>in</strong> 1990 with<br />
a vision of be<strong>in</strong>g committed to excellence while creat<strong>in</strong>g a wellrespected<br />
diverse portfolio of <strong>in</strong>ternational clientele. Our areas<br />
of expertise range from Property Law to Trust Law, Company<br />
Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Tax and Estate Law and Shipp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Law. Our knowledgeable professionals provide legal services <strong>in</strong><br />
a variety of issues <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g buy<strong>in</strong>g properties and <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> or abroad, advice on the optimum tax structure based<br />
on the <strong>in</strong>dividual circumstances, <strong>in</strong>corporate companies <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> or abroad, support the operation of the companies after<br />
the <strong>in</strong>corporation, provide nom<strong>in</strong>ee services if required, etc.<br />
Our objective is to ensure that our clients, whether these are<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals, small bus<strong>in</strong>ess entities or large organizations, benefit<br />
from the best of legal advice.<br />
Vasili Michailidi 21-23,<br />
3026 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Areti Charidemou - Founder<br />
(+357) 25 508 000<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@aretilaw.com<br />
www.aretilaw.com
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
97<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
ELENI TZIONI<br />
MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />
E. TZIONI & ASSOCIATES LLC<br />
E. Tzioni & Associates LLC is a fastly grow<strong>in</strong>g boutique law firm<br />
based <strong>in</strong> Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong>. With its <strong>in</strong>novative and flexible approach,<br />
E. Tzioni & Associates LLC delivers the most efficient, complete<br />
and optimum quality service available today. E. Tzioni & Associates<br />
LLC takes the pride of cover<strong>in</strong>g a wide area of knowledge and<br />
expertise possess<strong>in</strong>g strong legal background and experience <strong>in</strong><br />
corporate and commercial matters, with a special emphasis on<br />
mergers and acquisitions, bank<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>ance, jo<strong>in</strong>t ventures<br />
and <strong>in</strong>ternational, cross-border transactions and start-ups as<br />
well as litigation matters. Our practice further possesses a robust<br />
background <strong>in</strong> alternative <strong>in</strong>vestment funds and other regulated<br />
entities, provid<strong>in</strong>g full services rang<strong>in</strong>g from the set up to creation<br />
and function<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
7 Dositheou Street, Para Build<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
Block A, Office 001, 1071 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Eleni Tzioni - Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />
(+357) 22 932 293<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@tzionilaw.com.cy<br />
www.tzionilaw.com.cy<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
ELIAS NEOCLEOUS<br />
MANAGING PARTNER<br />
ELIAS NEOCLEOUS & CO LLC<br />
Award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g Elias Neocleous & Co LLC is the largest law firm<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and one of the top law firms <strong>in</strong> south east Europe. With<br />
more than 150 lawyers and other professionals based <strong>in</strong> offices<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, Brussels, Budapest, Kiev and Prague we offer a valueadded<br />
service which is second to none. We are dedicated to<br />
diversity <strong>in</strong> recruitment and to reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g experienced specialists<br />
<strong>in</strong> every practice area. Comb<strong>in</strong>ed with our <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> IT and<br />
knowledge management <strong>in</strong>frastructure, this means we are able<br />
to tackle the largest and most demand<strong>in</strong>g national and crossborder<br />
assignments. Elias Neocleous and Co LLC is professional,<br />
responsive, <strong>in</strong>novative, and represents the legal practice of the<br />
future.<br />
Neocleous House, 195 Makarios Avenue,<br />
P O Box 50613, Limassol CY 3608 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Elias Neocleous - Manag<strong>in</strong>g Partner<br />
(+357) 25 110 110<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@neo.law<br />
www.neo.law<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
GEORGE Z. GEORGIOU<br />
MANAGING PARTNER<br />
GEORGE Z. GEORGIOU & ASSOCIATES LLC<br />
George Z. Georgiou & Associates LLC is a full-service Cypriot<br />
law firm with offices <strong>in</strong> Nicosia and Limassol. It consists of<br />
approx.70 lawyers, arbitrators, legal consultants and support<br />
staff and is ranked <strong>in</strong> the ma<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational legal directories:<br />
Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal. The<br />
Firm’s specialist departments <strong>in</strong>clude: Arbitration • Bank<strong>in</strong>g &<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ance • Commercial • Corporate (<strong>in</strong>cl. M&A) • Data Protection •<br />
Employment & Pensions • Estate Plann<strong>in</strong>g • EU Law • Family Law •<br />
Intellectual Property & Media • Litigation (<strong>Cyprus</strong> & International)<br />
• Private Client • Probate • Property & Construction • Regulatory<br />
& Compliance • Tax • Tech. As the sole Cypriot member of the<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational law alliances Ius Laboris and GALA, it is able to<br />
provide any client with prompt, fully-coord<strong>in</strong>ated, yet locally<br />
specific advice from countries across the globe.<br />
Head Office: 1 Iras Street,<br />
1060 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
(+357) 22 763 340<br />
adm<strong>in</strong>@gzg.com.cy<br />
www.gzg.com.cy<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
LEANDROS PAPAPHILIPPOU<br />
MANAGING PARTNER<br />
L PAPAPHILIPPOU & CO LLC<br />
L Papaphilippou & Co LLC was founded <strong>in</strong> 1963. Through constant<br />
and consistent work, it is now one of the lead<strong>in</strong>g and most<br />
respectable law firms <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The firm quickly established<br />
strong presence <strong>in</strong> the fields of corporate and shipp<strong>in</strong>g law,<br />
litigation, bank<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>ance, wealth management and<br />
immigration, thus achiev<strong>in</strong>g good cross-border reputation, which<br />
led to the development of a concrete <strong>in</strong>ternational professional<br />
network and client base. Our list of clients <strong>in</strong>cludes regulatory<br />
bodies, local and <strong>in</strong>ternational bank<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions,<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance, shipp<strong>in</strong>g and listed companies, mult<strong>in</strong>ationals and<br />
high net worth <strong>in</strong>dividuals.<br />
17 Ifigenias Street, 2007 Strovolos,<br />
P.O.Box 28541, 2080 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Leandros Papaphilippou<br />
- Manag<strong>in</strong>g Partner<br />
(+357) 22 271 000<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@papaphilippou.eu<br />
www.papaphilippou.eu
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
98<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
NICKY XENOFONTOS<br />
FOUNDER, MANAGING<br />
PARTNER<br />
N. XENOFONTOS LLC LAW FIRM<br />
N. Xenofontos LLC is a specialist, boutique bus<strong>in</strong>ess centric law<br />
firm, servic<strong>in</strong>g both private clients and bus<strong>in</strong>esses. In provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
our specialised services we deploy a collaborative workflow,<br />
result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> efficient and solid advice, experience, with agility.<br />
Our specialist, tailored expertise ecompasses these core<br />
services: Corporate Advisory; Corporate Secretarial / Corporate<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istration; Professional Fiduciary services; Trusts / Estate<br />
Plann<strong>in</strong>g / Establishment and adm<strong>in</strong>istration; M&A / Jo<strong>in</strong>t Ventures;<br />
Intellectual Property; Insolvency, Bankruptcy and Restructur<strong>in</strong>g;<br />
Contractual; Legal Op<strong>in</strong>ions; Compliance, AML , Regulatory and<br />
Privacy law; Legal Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g / Sem<strong>in</strong>ars / Web<strong>in</strong>ars; Real Estate;<br />
Employment; Immigration & Migration. Our philosophy is simple:<br />
“Knowledge is of no use unless put <strong>in</strong>to practice” - Anton Chekhov<br />
4 Promitheos Street,<br />
Executive Centre, 1st floor, office M01<br />
1065 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Nicky Xenofontos –<br />
Founder, Manag<strong>in</strong>g Partner<br />
(+357) 22 25 20 77<br />
nicky@xenofontosllc.com<br />
www.xenofontosllc.com<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
STAVROS PAVLOU<br />
SENIOR AND MANAGING<br />
PARTNER<br />
PATRIKIOS PAVLOU & ASSOCIATES LLC<br />
Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC is a lead<strong>in</strong>g law firm <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />
With nearly 60 years of experience <strong>in</strong> the local and <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
legal market, the Firm has developed dist<strong>in</strong>guished expertise<br />
<strong>in</strong> dispute resolution and ADR and a renowned legal consult<strong>in</strong>g<br />
department. The legal teams are constantly <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> some of the<br />
largest cross-border bank<strong>in</strong>g, f<strong>in</strong>ancial and corporate transactions<br />
and handle complex litigation, arbitration and mediation matters.<br />
In close cooperation with the associated Pagecorp Group, the<br />
Firm provides its clients with a comprehensive range of corporate<br />
and other related services. The Firm is highly recommended by<br />
prestigious legal directories worldwide for its dist<strong>in</strong>ctive legal<br />
services.<br />
Patrician Chambers, 332<br />
Agiou Andreou Street,<br />
3035 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Stavros Pavlou - Senior<br />
and Manag<strong>in</strong>g Partner<br />
(+357) 25 871 599<br />
spavlou@pavlaw.com<br />
www.pavlaw.com<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
CELIA POURGOURA<br />
PARTNER<br />
POURGOURA & ASPRI LLC<br />
We are a progressive commercial Law Firm, compris<strong>in</strong>g of a team<br />
of dynamic and highly specialised lawyers with diverse academic<br />
and professional backgrounds. Our paramount objective is to offer<br />
the highest level of professional and personalised service to the<br />
client, yet <strong>in</strong> a quick, efficient and affordable manner. Our mission<br />
is to establish ongo<strong>in</strong>g and long term relations with our clients<br />
through commitment, specialisation and by offer<strong>in</strong>g tailor made<br />
professional service by direct<strong>in</strong>g each client’s needs <strong>in</strong> a personal,<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual way. By choos<strong>in</strong>g to work with us you are assured to<br />
be provided with a complete all round solution regard<strong>in</strong>g your<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess affairs, as we ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> close relations with a vast number<br />
of related discipl<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> other cities and overseas.<br />
33 Klimentos Street, Office 401,<br />
1061 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Vasiliki Pourgoura<br />
(+357) 22 460 831<br />
celia.pourgoura@ca-advocates.com<br />
www.ca-advocates.com<br />
LAW FIRM<br />
STELIOS AMERICANOS<br />
MANAGING PARTNER<br />
STELIOS AMERICANOS & CO LLC<br />
Stelios Americanos & Co LLC is a full services, highly <strong>in</strong>novative<br />
law firm with headquarters based <strong>in</strong> Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong> and a<br />
branch <strong>in</strong> Athens, Greece. It specializes <strong>in</strong> corporate, commercial<br />
and bank<strong>in</strong>g law, corporate and commercial litigation, real<br />
estate, f<strong>in</strong>ancial advisory & regulation and blockcha<strong>in</strong> legal<br />
advisory. Stelios Americanos & Co LLC provides its services to<br />
governmental organizations, <strong>in</strong>ternational bank<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stitutions,<br />
public companies and mult<strong>in</strong>ational corporations. Moreover<br />
Stelios Americanos & Co LLC has created close relationships with<br />
reputable <strong>in</strong>ternational legal and consult<strong>in</strong>g firms and is, thus,<br />
able to assist clients with their cross-border transactions and<br />
needs. Today, Stelios Americanos & Co LLC is considered one of the<br />
lead<strong>in</strong>g law firms <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong> the areas of its specialty.<br />
12, Demostheni Severi Av.<br />
Office 601, 6th Floor 1080 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Stelios Americanos<br />
- Manag<strong>in</strong>g Partner<br />
(+357) 22 465 500<br />
stelios@americanoslaw.com<br />
www.americanoslaw.com
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
99<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
NON PROFIT<br />
MARIA MARKIDOU<br />
GEORGIADOU<br />
MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />
CYPRUS SEEDS<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> Seeds is a non-profit organization with the mission to<br />
support the commercialization of <strong>in</strong>novative academic research<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. To achieve its objectives, <strong>Cyprus</strong> Seeds offers an<br />
annual 12M program to a small number of scientific teams whose<br />
projects give breakthrough solutions to world problems from any<br />
area, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g health, environment, and art. In addition to grants,<br />
it offers mentor<strong>in</strong>g, bus<strong>in</strong>ess skills tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, and network<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with <strong>in</strong>vestors. <strong>Cyprus</strong> Seeds is funded through donations<br />
from Foundations, corporations, and <strong>in</strong>dividuals <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and<br />
abroad. Among the great achievements of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Seeds are the<br />
sign<strong>in</strong>g for two option-to-be licens<strong>in</strong>g agreements, the creation<br />
of one start-up company, and the sp<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out of the University<br />
of <strong>Cyprus</strong> a solar energy research project.<br />
Ant<strong>in</strong>ou 18, Strovolos,<br />
Nicosia, 2034 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Maria Markidou Georgiadou<br />
- Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />
(+357) 22 364 522<br />
maria@cyprusseeds.com<br />
www.cyprusseeds.com<br />
REAL ESTATE<br />
MICHALIS<br />
HADJIPANAYIOTOU<br />
CEO<br />
CYBARCO DEVELOPMENT LTD<br />
Cybarco is the lead<strong>in</strong>g luxury property developer <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Part<br />
of the prestigious Lanitis Group, Cybarco is beh<strong>in</strong>d many of the<br />
island’s landmark projects, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Aphrodite Hills Golf Resort,<br />
Akamas Bay Villas, Sea Gallery Villas, The Oval, Limassol Mar<strong>in</strong>a<br />
and Trilogy Limassol Seafront. Cybarco is also responsible for<br />
the exclusive sales of the luxury properties at Limassol Greens,<br />
the most anticipated new golf resort <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>. With over 75<br />
years’ experience at the top of its <strong>in</strong>dustry, Cybarco has earned its<br />
reputation for outstand<strong>in</strong>g quality and dedicated customer care by<br />
consistently deliver<strong>in</strong>g projects to the highest standards.<br />
10 Tefkrou Anthia Street,<br />
Dali Industrial Zone, 2540 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Michalis Hadjipanayiotou - CEO<br />
(+357) 22 741 300<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@cybarco.com<br />
www.cybarco.com<br />
REAL ESTATE<br />
GEORGE IOANNOU<br />
CEO<br />
KORANTINA HOMES<br />
With over 30 years of experience <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g some of the most<br />
luxurious, high aesthetic, projects <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, Korant<strong>in</strong>a Homes<br />
has become the most reputable name <strong>in</strong> the development of<br />
luxury and exclusive properties. Our company emphasizes<br />
establish<strong>in</strong>g long-last<strong>in</strong>g relationships with our clients by offer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
personalized services. Our award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g flagship luxury resorts,<br />
Cap St Georges, Coral Residences and Soho Resort have attracted<br />
exclusive clientele from every corner of the globe <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g several<br />
celebrities and <strong>in</strong>ternationally renowned jet setters. Our group has<br />
also expanded <strong>in</strong>to the tourism & hospitality sector by develop<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the deluxe 5-star Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, and the 5-star<br />
hotel located at Soho Resort.<br />
Trikomou Str. 32, 8560<br />
Pegeia Paphos, <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Mel<strong>in</strong>a Rafti – <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong><br />
Development Director<br />
(+357) 26 623 536<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@korant<strong>in</strong>ahomes.com<br />
www.korant<strong>in</strong>ahomes.com<br />
REAL ESTATE<br />
EVANGELIA ELIADOU<br />
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR<br />
PAFILIA PROPERTY DEVELOPERS LTD<br />
Pafilia is the largest privately-owned residential developer <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong>, dedicated to deliver<strong>in</strong>g the best <strong>in</strong> concept, design,<br />
quality and service. With a vast property portfolio and projects<br />
<strong>in</strong> enviable locations throughout <strong>Cyprus</strong> and Greece, we offer<br />
excellent <strong>in</strong>vestment opportunities and lifestyle orientated<br />
homes. Pafilia is also the developer beh<strong>in</strong>d three groundbreak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ation resorts, ONE – the tallest residential<br />
seafront tower <strong>in</strong> Europe, NEO – a unique development of 4<br />
towers on the Limassol seafront and M<strong>in</strong>this - the islands most<br />
exclusive leisure and lifestyle resort conveniently located <strong>in</strong> the<br />
w<strong>in</strong>e produc<strong>in</strong>g region of Paphos.<br />
Pafilia House,<br />
33 Nicodemou Mylona Street,<br />
P.O. Box 60159, 8101 Pafos - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Andrea L<strong>in</strong>dsay –<br />
Group Market<strong>in</strong>g Manager<br />
(+357) 26 848 800<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@pafilia.com<br />
www.pafilia.com
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
100<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
REAL ESTATE<br />
SAVVAS KAKOS<br />
CEO AND BOARD DIRECTOR<br />
QUALITY GROUP<br />
Quality Group is one of the lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestment and development<br />
organizations <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the Mediterranean, with over 30<br />
years of experience, operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> numerous projects. The group<br />
managed to transform from a traditional construction company<br />
<strong>in</strong>to a strong organisation by embrac<strong>in</strong>g the diversification that<br />
the market had to offer. Through trust<strong>in</strong>g the market, the group<br />
managed to build a diversified client-based portfolio, provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a variety of <strong>in</strong>vestment options. As a result, Quality Group has<br />
evolved through four dist<strong>in</strong>ct fundamental pillars: Quality Property<br />
Developments, Quality Hospitality, Quality Education, and Quality<br />
Medical. Our commitment to a people-focused approach as well as<br />
our uncompromis<strong>in</strong>g dedication to quality ensures that excellence<br />
and client satisfaction is delivered.<br />
41, Costant<strong>in</strong>ou Paleologou str.<br />
6036, Larnaca - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
(+357) 24 821 855<br />
Info@qualitydevelopments.com<br />
qualitygroupcyprus.com<br />
REAL ESTATE<br />
MICHALIS<br />
HADJIPANAYIOTOU<br />
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR<br />
TRILOGY LIMASSOL SEAFRONT<br />
Brought to life by a world-class collaboration of architects,<br />
designers and developers, Trilogy is an excit<strong>in</strong>g new beachfront<br />
development <strong>in</strong> the heart of Limassol. Three landmark build<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
surround<strong>in</strong>g a bustl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ner plaza, Trilogy is a place to live, work<br />
and play. Its luxury apartments blend the aspirational dream of<br />
high-end liv<strong>in</strong>g, with the sophistication of urban cool. State-ofthe-art<br />
offices also enjoy first-class services and un<strong>in</strong>terrupted<br />
sea views from every w<strong>in</strong>dow. Three dist<strong>in</strong>ct social areas offer<br />
resident-only facilities for secluded leisure and relaxation, as well<br />
as a lively public plaza that can be enjoyed and experienced by<br />
everyone. Your story beg<strong>in</strong>s here…<br />
341, 28th October Avenue<br />
3106 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Yiorgos Georghiou - Sales Director<br />
(+357) 25 362 800<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@trilogylimassol.com<br />
www.trilogylimassol.com<br />
RECRUITMENT<br />
SOPHIE ARISTODEMOU<br />
CO-FOUNDER<br />
CAREERFINDERS RECRUITMENT SERVICES LIMITED<br />
CareerF<strong>in</strong>ders Recruitment Services Limited is one of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’<br />
most well-respected and established providers of tailor-made<br />
recruitment solutions to many of the largest and most well-known<br />
local and <strong>in</strong>ternational companies operat<strong>in</strong>g across the Island.<br />
With offices <strong>in</strong> both Nicosia and Limassol, our highly experienced<br />
team of recruitment professionals have the knowledge and<br />
expertise to ensure that our clients receive the most suitable<br />
and well-qualified candidates to suit their recruitment needs.<br />
The <strong>in</strong>dustry sectors we service <strong>in</strong>clude Account<strong>in</strong>g/Audit, Legal,<br />
Corporate/Fiduciary, Information Technology, Shipp<strong>in</strong>g, Oil & Gas,<br />
Bank<strong>in</strong>g/F<strong>in</strong>ance and many more. If you are a company seek<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
recruit the very best talent <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>, please contact us today.<br />
Head Office: 6th Floor, Athlos Build<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
28 Nikis Avenue, Nicosia 1086 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Sophie Aristodemou - Director<br />
(+357) 22 002 285<br />
jobs@careerf<strong>in</strong>ders.com.cy<br />
www.careerf<strong>in</strong>ders.com.cy<br />
RECRUITMENT<br />
STEVE SLOCOMBE<br />
FOUNDER / DIRECTOR<br />
GRS RECRUITMENT<br />
With more than 17 years of presence and experience <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong>,<br />
our expertise <strong>in</strong> the provision of Recruitment, Payroll, HR,<br />
and Outplacements services is un-paralleled. By work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
partnership with our clients, we provide tailored services based<br />
on a thorough understand<strong>in</strong>g of each client’s circumstances<br />
and needs. We specialise <strong>in</strong>: Permanent Recruitment Search &<br />
Selection, Temporary Recruitment Services, Payroll Solutions,<br />
Recruitment Process Outsourc<strong>in</strong>g, Salary Benchmark<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
Outplacement and Psychometric Personality Assessment.<br />
Our team consists of a highly capable team with <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
experience and local knowledge.<br />
Head office: Agathangelou <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Centre,<br />
101 Gladstonos Street,<br />
Limassol, 3032 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Steve Slocombe - Founder/Director<br />
(+357) 25 342 720<br />
jobs@grsrecruitment.com<br />
www.grsrecruitment.com
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
101<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
RESEARCH INSTITUTION<br />
PROF. COSTAS N.<br />
PAPANICOLAS<br />
PRESIDENT<br />
THE CYPRUS INSTITUTE<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Institute (CyI, www.cyi.ac.cy) is a world-class, nonprofit<br />
research and educational <strong>in</strong>stitution with a strong scientific<br />
and technological orientation. It is a regional Center of Excellence,<br />
address<strong>in</strong>g issues of regional <strong>in</strong>terest but of global significance,<br />
with an emphasis on cross-discipl<strong>in</strong>ary research and <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
collaborations. Areas of research <strong>in</strong>clude Solar Thermal Energy<br />
and Energy Storage, Climate and Environmental Research,<br />
Technologies for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, High-<br />
Performance Comput<strong>in</strong>g, Simulation and Hyper-<strong>in</strong>frastructures.<br />
CyI is also an accredited, degree-grant<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stitution of higher<br />
education that offers unique, high-quality Master’s and PhD<br />
programs to select students from around the world, and provides<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for future researchers and scholars <strong>in</strong> partnership with<br />
lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational universities.<br />
20 Konstant<strong>in</strong>ou Kavafi<br />
2121 Aglantzia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Dr. Nicolas Jarraud - Assistant<br />
Vice-President for Institute Affairs<br />
(+357) 22 208 700<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational.relations@cyi.ac.cy<br />
www.cyi.ac.cy<br />
WEB DEVELOPMENT<br />
ALEX CONSTANTI<br />
MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />
IDEASEVEN DIGITAL<br />
Ideaseven are a dynamic, enthusiastic onl<strong>in</strong>e digital development<br />
agency with over 17 years of experience. We focus on provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
global solutions <strong>in</strong> digital market<strong>in</strong>g, web & app development,<br />
brand<strong>in</strong>g and design services. At ideaseven, we understand<br />
that design and development requires cont<strong>in</strong>uous mutual<br />
communication with our clients. Together, we can provide a<br />
constantly productive and evolv<strong>in</strong>g project. We can help visualize<br />
even the craziest ideas, convert<strong>in</strong>g them <strong>in</strong>to elegant, awesome<br />
experiences and catchy products. We have worked with a lot of<br />
prestigious brands and have delivered award w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g projects<br />
throughout the years.<br />
Pentadactylou 2, office 104,<br />
6060, Larnaca - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
Contact: Alex Constanti – Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />
(+357) 24 823 832<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@ideaseven.com<br />
www.ideaseven.com<br />
THE CYPRUS TRADE CENTER (CTC)<br />
The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Trade Centre (CTC) <strong>in</strong> the United Arab Emirates operates under the auspices of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> M<strong>in</strong>istry<br />
of Energy, Commerce and Industry and it is the commercial and economic arm of the Embassy of the Republic of<br />
<strong>Cyprus</strong> <strong>in</strong> the UAE and covers also some GCC Countries, such as <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia. The ma<strong>in</strong> objective of CTC Dubai is to<br />
enhance the export of <strong>Cyprus</strong> products and services and to establish, ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> and develop bus<strong>in</strong>ess relationships<br />
between <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the UAE and GCC Countries by promot<strong>in</strong>g, facilitat<strong>in</strong>g, and attract<strong>in</strong>g foreign <strong>in</strong>vestment.<br />
CORE ACTIVITIES<br />
• Promot<strong>in</strong>g Cypriot exports and services <strong>in</strong> <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia and other GCC countries<br />
• Organis<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess events, trade delegations and participation <strong>in</strong> trade fairs and exhibitions<br />
• Identify<strong>in</strong>g and promot<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestment opportunities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
• Provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation on <strong>Cyprus</strong> to <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabian and other GCC importers, bus<strong>in</strong>esses and <strong>in</strong>vestors<br />
• Provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation to Cypriot bus<strong>in</strong>esses about opportunities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia<br />
CONTACT INFORMATION<br />
Hamsah Build<strong>in</strong>g Block A, 2nd Floor,<br />
Office no. 215, Khalid B<strong>in</strong> Waleed Street,<br />
Opposite UAE M<strong>in</strong>istry of Foreign Affairs,<br />
PO Box 11294 Dubai<br />
Contact: Fadi Al Shebli<br />
T: +971 (4) 3575592<br />
W: https://ctcdubai.org<br />
E: cycentre@emirates.net.ae / <strong>in</strong>fo@ctcdubai.org<br />
Embassy of the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Riyadh, <strong>Saudi</strong> Arabia<br />
Contact: Christakis Demetriou<br />
T: +966 (0) 11 460 22 03 • E: cdemetriou@mfa.gov.cy
DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />
102<br />
SAUDI ARABIA EDITION<br />
TheProfilerGroup<br />
16, Elia Papakyriakou, Suite 101,<br />
Engomi, 2415 Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />
cyprus@theprofilergroup.com<br />
www.theprofilergroup.com<br />
www.cyprusprofile.com