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Cyprus’ Industrial Output Prices Decline By 1.9% In 2024 Amid Sectoral Shifts

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 3, 2025

Industrial production costs in Cyprus saw a 1.9% decline in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the Cyprus Statistical Service (CyStat). The latest data reflects a broader economic trend of stabilizing prices across key sectors, despite fluctuations in specific industries.

The Index of Industrial Output Prices for December 2024 stood at 122.3 units (base 2021=100), marking a 0.1% month-on-month increase from November. However, on an annual basis, the index recorded a 1.5% drop compared to December 2023.

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Sectoral Performance: Stability And Declines

Electricity supply saw the sharpest decline, with prices plunging 10.5% year-on-year.
Mining and quarrying posted a 0.7% increase, while manufacturing rose by 0.9%.
Water supply and materials recovery remained stable year-over-year but recorded a 0.3% monthly increase in December.

Manufacturing Trends: Growth In High-Tech And Consumer Goods

Despite the overall decline in industrial prices, several manufacturing divisions experienced growth:

Furniture, electronics, and textiles saw notable increases, with the manufacture of furniture, other manufacturing, and machinery repair rising by 4.7%.
Electronic and optical products grew by 4.3%, while paper and printing increased by 3.5%.
Pharmaceuticals and chemicals saw a 2.0% uptick, reinforcing the strength of Cyprus’ chemical production sector.

Conversely, declines were observed in:

Rubber and plastic products (-0.6%)
Basic metals and fabricated metal products (-0.6%)
Other non-metallic mineral products (-0.1%)

Looking Ahead: Economic Implications

The drop in industrial output prices suggests lower production costs for businesses, potentially easing inflationary pressures. However, sector-specific gains—particularly in manufacturing, technology, and pharmaceuticals—signal resilience in high-value industries. The continued decline in electricity prices could further impact industrial production costs, shaping economic conditions in 2025.

With Cyprus’ industrial landscape evolving, businesses will need to adapt to shifting cost structures and market dynamics to remain competitive in the coming year.

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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.