Breaking news

CIBA And Invest Cyprus Sign MoU To Coordinate Investment Promotion

Cyprus International Businesses Association (CIBA) and Invest Cyprus (CIPA) signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate efforts in attracting foreign investment. The agreement outlines cooperation between the two organisations on investment promotion and investor support.

Strategic Objectives

The memorandum includes coordination on sharing investment-related information, organising joint events and business missions, and supporting existing and prospective investors. Access to information on investment opportunities, regulatory developments, and available incentives is expected to improve under the initiative.

Coordinated Collaboration For Enhanced Competitiveness

Cooperation also covers knowledge-sharing, technical coordination, and joint international initiatives. Vasilis Demetriades, President of CIBA, said the partnership is intended to align the international business community with national investment efforts. He added that the initiative focuses on improving transparency and competitiveness.

Unified Approach To Driving Investment

Invest Cyprus Chief Executive Marios Tannousis said the memorandum will strengthen engagement with the international business community and improve understanding of investor needs. He added that the agreement supports a more coordinated approach to attracting new investment and expanding existing operations.

The collaboration reflects a joint public-private framework aimed at supporting investors throughout the full investment cycle, from initial interest to long-term growth.

In tandem with the agreement, CIBA and Invest Cyprus co-hosted an event titled “FDI & Omnibus: Driving Cyprus’s Competitive Edge in the EU Legal Landscape” at the end of March. The event brought together stakeholders to discuss regulatory developments and investment conditions within the European Union.

Discussions focused on how Cyprus can adapt to changes in EU legislation while maintaining its position as an investment destination, as well as the role of coordinated initiatives in supporting investment flows.

Eurobank Launches First UPI Cross-Border Payment From Greece To India

Eurobank has launched its first cross-border payment from Greece to India through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking a new step in the bank’s international expansion and its strategy to strengthen financial ties between Europe and India.

The transaction, completed in cooperation with NPCI International, follows the launch of Eurobank’s new payment service. The inaugural payment was made in the presence of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Eurobank Chief Executive Fokion Karavias and senior executives from NPCI International.

A Strategic Bet On India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem

According to Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, Eurobank’s head of transaction banking, the service currently supports outgoing payments by Indian citizens living in Greece to recipients in India, representing the first phase of a broader collaboration with NPCI International.

UPI is operated by NPCI International. By integrating the system into its e-banking platform and mobile app, Eurobank enables customers to make real-time transfers.

“The most important aspect is the philosophy behind the initiative,” Vlachogiannis said. “Instead of creating another closed payment system, we are integrating mature and internationally recognised payment ecosystems into the bank’s services so customers enjoy a simple, secure and modern transaction experience.”

He added: “Innovation creates value when it delivers a genuine benefit for the customer.”

Building A Financial Bridge Between Europe And India

The UPI launch follows Eurobank’s opening of a representative office in Mumbai, making it the first Greek and Cypriot bank with a physical presence in India. The bank has also expanded its presence through the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, a technology centre in Pune and partnerships with Indian institutions.

Vlachogiannis said India’s economic growth and closer ties with the European Union support the bank’s long-term strategy. He also pointed to progress in negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.

Mumbai Office Serves As A Regional Business Hub

Eurobank’s Mumbai office supports businesses seeking to establish operations between India, Greece, Cyprus and the wider European market. It provides access to banking services, business networks and market support.

For Greek companies expanding into India, the bank offers international payments, foreign exchange management, trade finance and supply chain finance. Indian businesses investing in Greece, Cyprus or elsewhere in the European Union can also access financing and corporate banking services through Eurobank.

Aiming To Strengthen The India-Europe Corridor

Looking ahead, Eurobank said it will continue investing in technology, international payments, trade finance and partnerships with Indian organisations.

“Our ambition is to act not only as a banking services provider but also as a strategic partner for businesses and investors seeking to benefit from the opportunities created by this dynamic market,” Vlachogiannis said.

eCredo
Uol
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter