Nicosia, Cyprus. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou presented the vision and philosophy of the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation in Cyprus during an event in Nicosia. Separately, Cyprus’ Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis announced a working visit to Athens and Alexandria, and Greek retailer Jumbo Group outlined strategy and plans ahead of a shareholder meeting.
Stelios Bi-Communal Awards event in Nicosia
Entrepreneurship as a bridge for cooperation was placed at the centre of discussions in Nicosia, as Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou outlined the vision, philosophy and long-term development of the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation in Cyprus.
Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands (www.easy.com and www.easyHistory.info) and founder and chairman of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation (www.steliosfoundation.com.cy), set out the broader thinking behind an initiative described as a long-standing pillar of bi-communal cooperation on the island.
The presentation was delivered by Haji-Ioannou via live Zoom connection as part of an event at the headquarters of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in Nicosia, ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for June 8, 2026.
The event drew representation from the business community, highlighting its role in shaping conditions of cooperation and stability supporting the island’s economic development.
Shipping Deputy Minister to visit Athens and Alexandria
Cyprus’ Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis departs on Wednesday for a working visit to Athens and Alexandria from February 4 to 9, focusing on maritime diplomacy and the promotion of the Cyprus shipping register.
In Athens, Hadjimanolis will take part in a ministerial roundtable at the 16th Annual Capital Link Greek Shipping Forum, alongside Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vasilis Kikilias, Malta’s Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett, and Marco Sylvester, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs (TRA) at the US Department of State.
Hadjimanolis is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with participating ministers and to attend and address the graduation ceremony of Merchant Marine Officers at the Mediterranean Maritime Academy in Athens.
She will also meet representatives of shipping companies to strengthen the profile and competitiveness of the Cyprus register.
Jumbo Group outlines strategy and shareholder meeting agenda
Greek retailer Jumbo Group outlined its long-term strategy and updated investors on sales performance and capital allocation plans ahead of a general meeting of shareholders scheduled for Wednesday.
The meeting will be held at the group’s administrative offices at 4.00 pm and will focus primarily on approval of an extraordinary cash distribution for 2026, amounting to a gross €0.50 per share.
What do you consider the most significant development in these business updates from Cyprus and Greece?