Cyprus Looks to Energy Development for Recovery

Off-shore gas deposits eyed

Cyprus said on Friday it would seek further diversity to its economy and focus on developing its offshore energy reserves as it struggles to rally from the austerity inflicted by an international financial bailout.

The Mediterranean island faces the prospect of a double-digit contraction in growth over the next two years after bank savers were forced to pay for the recapitalisation of its two largest banks, heavily exposed to debt-crippled Greece.