I INTRODUCTION
Despite being among the smallest countries in terms of area and
population, Cyprus has developed into one of the world's most
important financial and business centres. It has numerous
advantages, including a strategic location, membership of the EU
and the eurozone, a mature and transparent legal system,
world-class professional and financial services and a modern,
business-friendly tax regime, which offers attractive planning
opportunities.
During the years following perestroika, Cyprus developed into
the portal of choice for investment from the West into the rapidly
developing economies of Russia and central and eastern Europe.
Even the largest Russian and eastern European companies have a
substantial degree of owner involvement, and high net worth
individuals from the region have found Cyprus an excellent location
for their personal financial affairs. In 1992, Cyprus enacted the
International Trusts Law, which gave investors from