Cyprus’ strong economic recovery-2018 Outlook

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Cyprus’ strong
economic recovery will continue in 2018 with the GDP expected to be 3.2% (2017:
3.8%) which is well above the European Union average. Inflation forecast shows
an increase in 2018 to 1.2% (2017: 0.7%) well within the healthy limits, with
unemployment expected to be near the 10% mark in comparison with 13% of the
year before.

Historic
interest rates are at record lows for the country even though they remain one
of the highest in the Eurozone. The rate for deposits of up to one year
for households was down to 1.11% compared to 1.17% and for non-financial
corporations was also down to 1.11% compared to 1.32% in December 2017.  Consumer
loans rates are down in January to 4.09% compared to 4.20% in December being
the fourth lowest in the Eurozone. Housing loans were up to 2.60% compared to
2.53% in December though.

The main
pillars of recovery are to continue flourishing in 2018 with tourism expected
to have yet another record year in tourist arrivals. 2017 witnessed an increase
of 14.6% year on year and already January 2018 arrivals are more than 20%
up from January 2017.

Real Estate
showed encouraging signs during 2017 and 2018 has started brilliantly with a
55% increase in sales recorded in the first 2 months funneled by the successful
Citizenship scheme.

At the same
time gas exploration drilling continues in Cyprus’s exclusive economic area
with ENI, EXXONMOBIL, TOTAL, SHELL and KOGAS planning to continue their
drilling expeditions. ENI’s recent drill was successful announcing a promising
gas discovery with EXXONMOBIL planning two exploration drillings within the
first six months of 2018.

Furthermore,
the introduction of the Betting Law and the establishment of the National
Betting Authority has paved the way for the long awaited 7-star Hotel and
Casino Resort to be built in Limassol as well as online betting companies. The
Casino resort investment will be in the region of 550 million euro with ‘satellite’
casinos in other cities. The resort is expected to begin operations in 2021,
with the satellite casinos within 2018. More than 11,000 jobs are expected to
be created directly from this investment.

The
construction of the Nicosia Mall is at its final stages and is expected to open
its doors in late 2018. It will be the biggest Mall in Cyprus creating new
jobs and opportunities with 135 shops 113,000 sq. meters.

While there are undoubtedly challenges ahead, the economy is growing
well and businesses are looking forward with confidence. In summary, Cyprus is
very much open for business.

Overall the
economy has recovered from the 2013 recession showing healthy signs of growth
and potential.

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