Cyprus is a Mediterranean island situated 328 km west of Israel and 65 km south of Turkey. Population is a little over 800 0000. Cyprus is a full member of the EU since 2004 and the official currency is the Euro since 2008. Although Greek is the predominant language, English is widely spoken and used in business and present on most official documents.
The business philosophy on the Island and within its government is one of the free enterprise, that is why all of the fiscal laws and regulations laid out by the government show this state of mind and willingness to generate wealth. Economic projections for the next years are strongly positive with no sign of recession. Predicted GDP growth is at 4% yearly and company incorporations in Cyprus are soaring at exponential rates.
Foreign investment is encouraged as long as it does not adversely affect the environment. Because of its strategic location, Cyprus has become a major container business hub, where shipping companies stock and dispatch containers throughout Europe, Asia and Africa.
Thanks to its numerous treaties and tax advantages (for dividends, royalties and interests), Cyprus is also widely used for outwards investments and financing. As an example, Russia's number one foreign investor is Cyprus.