Cyprus industrial output up 0.7% in 06, from 0.3% in 05

Industrial production inched up by 0.7% in 2006, after a rise of 0.3% in 2005 according to the latest figures from the Statistical Service.

The increase was all down to mining and energy, as manufacturing output fell by 0.9%.

Within the manufacturing category, however, eight of the 14 categories rose, notably electrical and optical equipment, up 25.9%, and petroleum and man-made fibres, up 6.3%.

However, these were offset by a steep fall in the still large, but declining sectors of textiles and clothing.

Electricity, gas and water rose by 4.8% and mining and quarrying rose by 0.2%.

In December alone, the index of industrial production reached 113.8 (base 2000=100), recording a decrease of 0. 8% compared to December 2005.