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Exporting starts at home

A short while ago I dined at a very well known Leicestershire venue that attracts people from all over the country. The dessert menu included 'a selection of French cheeses'. Nothing wrong in that you may say but ponder a little longer and you begin to wonder why specifically French cheeses. That venue is but a few miles from the source of some of the best cheeses in the world, made locally in Leicestershire. The UK more widely makes a huge range of some of the finest cheeses that money can buy.

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Cyprus

Cyprus enjoys one of the highest standards of living in EU with a GDP per capita of € 21,281. Services, in particular tourism contribute most to the GDP. Cyprus has the 3rd largest fleet in the EU and the largest ship management centre.

Cyprus ranks 46th in the UK export countries league table. It offers opportunities in most sectors particularly in the environment, waste management, renewables, energy, financial services.

The Republic of Cyprus was established in 1960 and its government is the internationally recognised government of the island. Since 1974 the north part of the island has been occupied by Turkish troops and therefore not controlled by the Republic of Cyprus.

The northern part of the island refers to itself as the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' (TRNC). It is not recognised by the UK, EU or UN, or by any other country except Turkey. The UK government's policy on trade and investment in this area is being kept under review. More information can be found in Related Content, but it is important that companies are aware of the political situation before considering exporting. Statistical information, unless otherwise stated, refers only to the area controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus.

What are the opportunities?
Cypriots enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the EU, and unemployment is low. Like most island economies, Cyprus is very dependent on imports. The main imports from all nations are:

•Road vehicles
•Power-generating equipment
•Machinery
•Medicines and pharmaceutical products
•Clothing
•Food and drink
Tourism is the single most important sector in the Cypriot economy. In 2007, 2.4 million tourists visited the island; 53 percent were British. Following EU accession in May 2004, sectors such as telecommunications, electricity generation and civil aviation are now liberalised. Many opportunities are developing in Environment, Tourism, Education, High Technology, Financial Services and Energy.

Guide to Southern & Western European Markets

This Southern & Western European Markets guide (courtesy of UKTI & British Chambers of Commerce) provides an overview of the investment climate of selected countries in the region and some useful contacts for further information and advice. This publication is also availible in print, Please email emita stating your name, company, address, telephone and email address and we will send it in the post to you free of charge.

The information provided above is merely an overview; should you require further details you can obtain comprehensive international trade assistance from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). To find out more information about this country, visit the UKTI Cyprus web page.

If you're interested in attending an event relating to this country or the possibility of joining a trade mission, please visit the UKTI East Midlands website. If you would like to speak to a UKTI International Trade expert about doing business with this country, please call the UKTI East Midlands office on 01332 826394.