Focus on Cyprus Investment Immigration and Cyprus Economy: Georges Lakkotrypis, the Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Cyprus, stated in an interview with China News Service that the current advantages of Cyprus in natural gas, real estate, tourism, and other fields have not been fully explored by Chinese investors. In fact, its superior geographical location can provide investors with convenient access to other markets in Europe, Africa, and beyond. Lakkotrypis hopes that more Chinese enterprises and individuals can truly understand Cyprus, which is one of the main purposes of his visit to China.
Lakkotrypis stated that his visit to China has been very smooth. In addition to leading a Cyprus business delegation to participate in the "Cyprus as an WorldWay Center" forum held in Beijing on the 28th, he also held talks with heads of relevant Chinese government departments and representatives of Chinese enterprises, covering the four areas of energy, commerce, industry, and tourism that Lakkotrypis oversees.
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, located in the northeastern Mediterranean, at a crucial maritime crossroads between Asia, Africa, and Europe, boasting a very advantageous geographical position. Lakkotrypis introduced that, in addition to its unique geographical conditions, Cyprus has unparalleled advantages in business policies, supporting services, and taxation. For example, Cyprus has signed double taxation avoidance agreements with 40 countries, including China and Russia, which means that if Chinese enterprises develop their business in Cyprus, they can enjoy favorable tax policies. Additionally, China and Cyprus signed the "Agreement between the Government of China and the Government of Cyprus on the Promotion and Protection of Investments" in 2001 to protect investors' interests. Furthermore, the current corporate income tax in Cyprus is only 12.5%, the lowest among EU countries. Lakkotrypis emphasized that Cyprus also has a very mature supporting service system for enterprises to ensure their development.
As the birthplace of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty in mythology, Cyprus is renowned worldwide for its blue seas, clear waters, and white sands. When mentioning the beautiful scenery of this Mediterranean island, Lakkotrypis proudly stated: "The sea water in Cyprus has been voted as the cleanest in Europe by tourists." He noted that for individuals investing, traveling, or studying in Cyprus, the island's excellent climate, good social security, and comprehensive education system are all highly attractive. He also pointed out that Cyprus receives a large number of tourists each year, but the proportion of Chinese tourists is not high. After conducting relevant surveys on Chinese tourists, the Cypriot tourism department found that the local tourism market can fully provide all the leisure venues or entertainment projects that Chinese tourists need. The picturesque scenery and rich history of Cyprus offer visitors not only a pure and beautiful visual experience but also a rich experience of diverse cultures. Lakkotrypis also revealed that direct flights between China and Cyprus will soon be launched.
Regarding the statement that Chinese citizens can obtain permanent residency in Cyprus by purchasing property, Lakkotrypis expressed his affirmation. He said this would provide convenience for many parents who wish for their children to study in Europe. Chinese families can also find ideal places for vacation, leisure, or retirement by purchasing property in Cyprus.
It has been discovered that there are substantial natural gas reserves in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus. When discussing energy cooperation between the two countries, Lakkotrypis said: "This is also one of the important topics of our visit. Cyprus hopes to continue promoting cooperation between China and Cyprus in energy, such as natural gas, through this visit. China is a major energy-consuming country that needs long-term stable energy suppliers, and Cyprus has such conditions." Lakkotrypis also pointed out that China possesses many advanced technologies and rich experience in energy development, and Cyprus welcomes Chinese enterprises to participate in the natural gas development in its exclusive economic zone. Through these two days of visits in China, Lakkotrypis has further confirmed the enormous potential and broad prospects for cooperation between China and Cyprus in the energy sector.
When mentioning the economic crisis previously faced by Cyprus, Lakkotrypis stated that since March of this year, the Cypriot government has implemented many effective new rescue policies to prioritize helping the country overcome its economic difficulties, and it seems that some results have already been achieved. Moreover, many investors from various countries around the world are confident in Cyprus's ability to overcome the economic crisis and restore economic growth. Therefore, he believes that Chinese enterprises can also profit from the recovery and growth of the Cypriot economy.
It is understood that Lakkotrypis led a delegation of Cypriot enterprises to visit China from October 27 to November 2 to introduce Cyprus's economic environment, investment policies, and key projects, and to take this opportunity to communicate with Chinese enterprises to attract potential investors.