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Cyprus Industrial Production Expands With Diverse Sector Gains In March

Robust Annual Growth Recorded

Cyprus Statistical Service reported a 4.7% annual increase in industrial production during March, with the industrial production index reaching 116.7 points based on 2021 as the benchmark year. The figure exceeded levels recorded in March 2025 and reflected continued growth across several major industrial sectors.

Quarterly Improvements And Overall Impact

Growth recorded during March contributed to a 1.5% increase in industrial production during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. According to Cystat, the data indicate continued momentum across Cyprus’s broader industrial sector despite uneven performance between individual industries.

Sector-Specific Breakdowns

Electricity supply recorded the strongest annual increase in March, rising by 19%. Mining and quarrying activity increased by 9.2%, while water supply and materials recovery rose by 3.9%. Manufacturing activity also expanded, recording a 2.8% increase compared with March 2025.

Manufacturing Trends And Challenges

Within manufacturing, production of basic metals and fabricated metal products rose by 8.5%. Rubber and plastic products increased by 7.1%, while other non-metallic mineral products recorded growth of 4.5%. Food, beverages and tobacco production also rose by 3.5%. At the same time, machinery and equipment manufacturing, motor vehicles and transport equipment production declined by 4.8%. Furniture manufacturing and machinery repair and installation activity also recorded annual declines of 3.9%.

Year-To-Date Sector Performance

For the January to March period, water collection, treatment and supply recorded the strongest increase at 10.1%. Electricity supply rose by 7.4%, while production of basic metals and fabricated metal products increased by 6.4%. Furniture manufacturing and related sectors declined by 6.2%, while machinery and equipment production fell by 5.4%. Textiles, clothing and leather products also remained under pressure, recording a 4.7% decline during the first quarter.

Conclusion

The latest data reflects continued expansion across several key industrial sectors in Cyprus, particularly electricity supply, mining and metal production. At the same time, weaker performance in machinery, furniture and consumer goods manufacturing highlights ongoing challenges across parts of the industrial economy.

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.

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