Category: Cyprus News Agency

The retail trade turnover value index increased by 10.4% in September 2026, compared with the corresponding month of 2025, according to the Cyprus Statistical Service.

During the same month, the retail trade turnover volume Index increased by 7.7%, compared with the corresponding month of 2025.

Furthermore, according to the official data, the retail trade turnover value index increased by 8.4% during the period January-September 2026, compared with the corresponding period last year.

In addition, the retail trade turnover volume index recorded an increase of 6.6%, compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

Cyprus has taken all the necessary steps falling within its remit regarding the NAVTEX for the start of seabed surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday, while stressing that the issue was being handled with discretion in coordination with Greece and France.

He also said that the planned pound 25 million payment to Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) for the electricity interconnection project was proceeding according to schedule.

In statements on the sidelines of the annual General Assembly of the Association of Large Investment Projects in Nicosia, the President was asked whether there were any developments regarding the NAVTEX, which is required for the commencement of the seabed surveys.

“On this particular issue, the less we say publicly, the better,” he said, adding that there was an informal understanding on this approach with the Greek Prime Minister and the French President.

He stressed, however, that the Republic of Cyprus had taken all the necessary steps on its part.

Asked when the pound 25 million payment to IPTO would be released, he said that everything was proceeding according to plan and that the government was honouring the agreements in place.

“We are taking the necessary actions and, away from the public spotlight, we are doing what we need to do,” he said.

GSI a planned subsea electricity cable linking the power grids of Cyprus, Greece and, potentially, Israel, aimed at ending Cyprus’ energy isolation and integrating the island into the European electricity network. The project is being developed by Greece’s IPTO, with Cyprus and Greece having agreed on arrangements for its implementation and financing. It has also received support from the European Union, which has designated it a Project of Common Interest and provided funding.

The project has faced delays and uncertainty, amid disagreements over its cost-sharing arrangements, financial viability and geopolitical challenges. The planned seabed surveys, for which a NAVTEX is required, are a key step towards advancing implementation.

The President was also asked about the Turkish Cypriot side’s reaction to Cyprus’ demarche to the European Union over a planned natural gas pipeline between Turkey and the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus.

He said he saw no reason for the Turkish Cypriot side to be displeased, insisting that Nicosia had acted correctly. He described the planned pipeline as an illegal action and noted that the European Union had also taken a position and made specific démarches towards Turkey.

Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, ?lias Myrianthous highlighted the importance of the knowledge required to construct dry-stone walls and its relevance to the contemporary needs of rural areas, during the opening session of an international meeting on dry-stone construction taking place in the mountainous region of Limassol district, Cyprus.

The international meeting, co-organised by the Commissioner’s Office, the Department of Antiquities, the Unit for Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development and the “Petra stin Petra” includes workshops, presentations and various events. It features participants from Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Spain, Austria and South Korea.

In his address the Commissioner noted that dry-stone walls are a familiar sight in vineyards, on hillsides, and across fields, particularly throughout the mountainous and semi-mountainous regions, as well as the wine villages of Limassol.

He further pointed out that behind every such structure lies the knowledge of those who worked with stone and their own hands, observing the terrain and devising ways to organise the landscape.

Myrianthous noted that the inclusion of the art of dry-stone walling in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage recognises the value of this craft and of the people who keep it alive.

He hailed the role of the international conference in Cyprus and the various workshops aiming at safeguarding the continuity of this work.

He also noted that the initiative takes on particular significance following the devastating fires that struck the Limassol district, pointing out the significance of working for the restoration of the landscape and bringing people together in a collective effort.

The Commissioner also said that the contemporary value of dry-stone construction, in terms of agricultural activity, soil protection, and the preservation of the rural landscape, is also reflected in various agricultural policy initiatives.

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today`s stock exchange meeting as follows:

MEETING DATE: 02/11/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTH

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE:

530.821,93

INDEX

VALUE

% DIFF.

VALUE (pound )

FTSE/CySE 20

182,310

0,850

530.634,030

MAIN MARKET INDEX

242,440

1,380

425.806,970

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

2.598,030

0,370

6.988,270

CSE GENERAL INDEX

310,310

0,850

530.634,030

HOTELS INDEX

1.934,210

-0,130

302,400

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

2.092,420

-0,750

105.009,460

* The second column presents the percentage variation of the indices as compared to the last meeting.

The Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr Nikodemos Damianou, is travelling to the United States of America (USA) today, following an invitation from the leadership of the international innovation network Plug and Play, to take part in the Plug and Play Silicon Valley Winter Summit, which will take place from 3 to 5 November 2026, in California. The Deputy Minister is accompanied by the Director-General of the Research and Innovation Foundation, Theodoros Loukaides.

According to a statement from the Deputy Ministry, the visit forms part of the Government’s wider effort to promote and highlight Cyprus as a regional centre for innovation and technology, strengthen the outward-looking nature of the Cypriot ecosystem, and foster new business and investment partnerships with the US.

As reported, during the Summit, the Deputy Minister will meet with Saeed Amidi, founder and CEO of Plug and Play, with a focus on further developing cooperation with Cyprus and capitalising on the opportunities offered by the organisation’s international network to connect Cypriot start-ups and innovative businesses with investors, business partners and international markets.

The official programme of the Summit also includes the ‘Cyprus and Innovation’ round-table event, organised by Cyprus Catalyst, attended by the Deputy Minister, as well as scientists and professionals from the Cypriot community in the USA. The discussion will focus on the progress and prospects of the Cypriot research, innovation and technology ecosystem, as well as on the role that the Cypriot diaspora can play in its further development and international promotion.

During his stay in the USA, the Deputy Minister will also hold a number of meetings with business bodies and organisations to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, and will return to Cyprus on Friday, 6 November 2026.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1019hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be partly cloudy with risk of isolated showers and/or isolated thunderstorm, mainly in the afternoon over the western and northern coastal areas.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, at times locally 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northeast to East 3, soon East to Southeast 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4, at times locally 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northeast to East 3, gradually 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon

Northeast to East 3, at times locally 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

West to Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

North to Northeast 3, gradually Northeast to East

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon

Northwest to Northeast 3, at times locally 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Southeast to South 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northeast to East 3, gradually 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Time of issue: 1130

Date: 01/11/2026

Cyprus Deputy Minister of Culture Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina is travelling to Antigua and Barbuda to participate in the proceedings of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2026), taking place from November 1 to 4.

According to an announcement by the Deputy Ministry of Culture, the Deputy Minister will represent President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides at the meeting, which brings together leaders and representatives of Commonwealth member states to promote dialogue and cooperation on issues of common interest.

The summit will focus on shared priorities such as climate resilience, trade, innovation, equality, and sustainable development, uniting nations under the spirit of partnership and prosperity.

Skills are essential for business competitiveness, quality employment and citizens’ well-being, Labour Minister Marinos Moushiouttas said on Saturday, stressing the importance of vocational training in meeting the changing needs of the economy.

Addressing the closing and award ceremony of the 9th National Skills Competition, Skills Cyprus 2026, he said technology, artificial intelligence, the green transition and changes in work organisation were transforming the economy and increasing demand for skilled workers.

“The economy needs people with knowledge, practical skills, creativity, responsibility and the ability to adapt,” he said, adding that technical professionals must be able to apply their knowledge, solve problems and use new technologies.

He described technical and vocational skills as “a meaningful investment in the future of our young people and our country”, highlighting the importance of combining professional expertise with digital, green and transferable skills and lifelong learning.

Moushiouttas said skills development was a key priority for his Ministry, with efforts focusing on strengthening vocational education, upgrading skills and reskilling, linking training to business needs and improving young people’s access to quality employment.

He noted that Cyprus had a resilient economy, ranking among the EU’s fastest-growing economies, while responsible fiscal policy enabled the Government to support education, health and social welfare.

Referring to the competition’s 18 individual contests, he praised the Productivity Centre for providing a platform to showcase young talent and strengthen cooperation between education and the labour market.

Thanking organisers, experts, trainers and sponsors, he congratulated all participants, stressing that success was not measured solely by awards.

“Your value is not determined exclusively by an award. It is determined by the skills you develop, the experience you gain, the effort you make and your determination to become better,” he said.

“The future of Cyprus is built on the knowledge, skills and potential of its people,” he added.

Station

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Highest

Lowest

Nicosia (Athalassa)

25

14

56

Larnaka Airport

26

16

80

Limassol (New Port)

26

16

55

Pafos Airport

25

16

64

Frenaros

25

16

66

Prodromos

16

8

95

Polis Pafos

24

16

66

Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis paid a working visit to Japan, China and the Republic of Korea from October 13 to 29, 2026 aimed at strengthening its presence in three of Asia’s major maritime markets.

According to a Deputy Ministry of Shipping announcement, the visit included bilateral meetings with government officials, participation in international maritime conferences and contacts with shipowners, shipping companies and shipyards, aimed at promoting Cyprus as an international shipping centre, highlighting the potential of the Cyprus Register of Ships and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.

In Japan, the Deputy Ministry organised a special event in Tokyo for the first time, attended by more than 120 representatives of the Japanese shipping and business community. Hadjimanolis also participated in the 5th annual Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum, which highlighted strategic opportunities for cooperation between the international shipping community, particularly Cyprus, and the Japanese market.

During her visit, she held a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kenta Aoshima, and met with representatives of the country’s shipping industry and shipyards.

In China, Hadjimanolis attended the North Bund Forum in Shanghai, following a personal invitation from the country’s Minister of Transport, Liu Wei. Her participation in the Forum’s opening speeches highlighted Cyprus’ contribution to international maritime dialogue, at a time when preparations are also under way for the official visit of the President of the Republic to China, the announcement said.

On the sidelines of the event, she met with the Chinese Minister of Transport to discuss ways of further strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries.

She also took part in a ministerial panel at the 10th annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum – Pudong – Shanghai, as well as the official opening of Pudong International Shipping Week. Her programme included meetings with representatives of the Chinese shipping and business community, shipowners, shipping companies and shipyards.

The visit to China concluded with Hadjimanolis attending the naming ceremony of the M/V KYPROS ISLAND at the Tsuneishi shipyard in Zhoushan. The new vessel, owned by Cyprus-based Safe Bulkers, will fly the Cyprus flag.

According to the announcement, it is the first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier to join the Cyprus Register of Ships, marking an important development in its renewal and technological advancement. Safe Bulkers CEO Polys Hadjioannou and company executives accompanied the Deputy Minister at the ceremony.

In the Republic of Korea, Hadjimanolis visited Busan at the invitation of the country’s Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Hwang Jongwoo, to attend the World Maritime Day proceedings.

She took part in a high-level ministerial discussion alongside counterparts from other countries and International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. She also participated in the 20th edition of the 2026 Korea Maritime Week, where she delivered an address at the opening ceremony.

On the sidelines of the event, she held a bilateral meeting with South Korea’s Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Nam Jaeheon. The two sides reaffirmed Korea’s willingness to further strengthen maritime cooperation, while a request was made to examine the updating of the existing bilateral Maritime Agreement to cover contemporary and practical issues facing the sector.

Hadjimanolis also held bilateral meetings with Norway’s Minister of Fisheries, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, and India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.

The meeting with the Indian Minister focused on preparations for the Deputy Minister’s forthcoming official visit to India and the organisation of the Cyprus-India Maritime Business Forum, scheduled to take place in Mumbai on November 23, 2026.