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President Christodoulides Discusses Growth And Risks With Business Leaders In Nicosia

Presidential Engagement With Business Leaders

Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus, participated in a roundtable with business leaders at the 16th Nicosia Economic Congress. Discussions focused on economic growth, investment conditions, and geopolitical risks linked to instability in the Middle East. Participants examined sustainable development priorities alongside current challenges affecting the Cypriot economy.

Navigating Uncertainty In A Volatile Global Landscape

Participants addressed the impact of geopolitical uncertainty on economic activity while highlighting investment opportunities within Cyprus. The discussion also focused on the role of government in maintaining stable and predictable business conditions. Christodoulides said the global environment is becoming more decentralized and uncertain, adding that public expectations center on stability, support, and policy consistency.

Proven Crisis Management And Clear Strategic Vision

Christodoulides said the government has managed multiple external challenges since March 2023 while maintaining economic stability. Policy coordination and consistent decision-making were cited as key factors supporting resilience. He added that government actions must follow a clear strategy, remain coherent, and be communicated effectively rather than driven by short-term political cycles.

Economic Progress And Fiscal Prudence

Cyprus recorded one of the highest growth rates in Europe over the past three years, according to government data. The country regained an A credit rating, reduced unemployment to below 5%, and reached full employment conditions for the first time since 2008. Public debt declined to around 55%, lowering borrowing costs and supporting increased investment across the economy.

Investing In The Future

Government policy includes continued investment in education, healthcare, and housing as part of broader economic planning. These sectors are prioritized due to their direct impact on living standards and long-term development. Officials said the approach focuses on maintaining stability while improving structural conditions in the economy.

Addressing The Energy Challenge

Energy costs remain a key issue amid broader external pressures on the economy. Christodoulides said the government is implementing a defined energy strategy focused on long-term sustainability. Plans include expanding renewable energy capacity to reduce costs and strengthen energy security.

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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