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Cyprus Technology Sector Transforms Into Economic Powerhouse

Robust Growth Redefines The Economy

KPMG Cyprus Partner Christophoros Anayiotos said Cyprus’ technology sector has evolved into one of the country’s main economic growth drivers, with its contribution projected to reach €5.9 billion, or 16.2% of GDP, by 2025.

Speaking at the TechIsland Summit, Anayiotos presented findings from KPMG Cyprus’ 2025 economic impact assessment, which examined the expanding role of technology and ICT activities within the Cypriot economy.

Sectoral Contributions And Economic Impact

According to the report, the sector’s total gross value added is expected to reach €5.5 billion, accounting for approximately 17% of Cyprus’ overall GVA. Information and communication technology activities contribute the largest share at €4.1 billion, followed by professional, scientific and technical services at €875 million and financial and insurance activities at €604 million.

KPMG estimates that when indirect and induced economic effects are included, the sector’s broader impact rises to €11.9 billion. The findings highlight the increasing influence of technology across multiple areas of the economy.

Transforming The Labor Market

Employment growth in the technology sector has also accelerated significantly. The report showed that direct technology employment expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 9.7% between 2016 and 2025, reaching approximately 48,200 jobs. That workforce includes around 31,700 Cypriot nationals, 4,100 employees from other EU countries and 12,400 non-EU professionals. Growth among non-EU employees reached 30.1% annually during the period, considerably faster than the 6.2% annual growth recorded among Cypriot workers. Combined with indirect employment effects, the sector currently supports roughly 79,000 jobs across Cyprus.

Driving Investment And Innovation

Technology and ICT activities have also become increasingly important for foreign direct investment. The sector now represents 17% of Cyprus’ inward FDI stock, making it the country’s third-largest destination for foreign investment after financial services and real estate. Cyprus currently ranks third among EU member states in ICT contribution to total gross value added at 12.5%, well above the EU average of 5.6%. The report also noted that GVA per ICT employee in Cyprus is approximately 36% higher than the EU average, reflecting relatively strong productivity levels.

Challenges And Future Directions

Despite the sector’s rapid expansion, the report identified several structural challenges, including dependence on high-tech imports, relatively low private-sector research and development spending and limited financing availability for innovation projects. Lower patent and industrial design activity compared with other EU countries also remains a concern. Anayiotos called for greater investment in digital infrastructure, STEM education and workforce development to support long-term sector growth. Additional recommendations included improving international connectivity, strengthening Cyprus’ positioning as an ICT hub and advancing integration with the Schengen Area.

Conclusion

KPMG’s analysis highlights the increasingly central role technology plays in Cyprus’ economy through its contribution to GDP, employment and foreign investment. The report also suggests that sustaining future growth will depend on continued investment in skills development, infrastructure and innovation capacity.

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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