At the 28th Annual General Meeting of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, in Lemesos, the President of the Republic talked about the important role that Shipping Chamber plays for the development of the country, since the beginning of its establishment in 1989. He also highlighted the government’s plans to preserve the country’s role in international shipping.
Specifically, he noted that, as the shipping sector has been catalytic for the Cyprus economy, with a contribution of approximately 7% to the Growth Domestic Product and acting as a gateway of foreign investments in the island, the sector requires a stable environment, with long-term planning and investment. The sustainable growth of Cyprus Shipping is one of the priorities of the government, by enhancing the competitiveness of its flag and maritime cluster.
In addition, he expressed his belief that the transformation of the Department of Merchant Shipping into an autonomous Deputy Ministry for Shipping and its planned restructuring will increase the functionality, effectiveness and flexibility of the public shipping administration, with a direct and immediate effect in the further development of both flag and maritime cluster.
“The Department of Merchant Shipping and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber will continue leading to new and better achievements. I am confident that, with the coordinated efforts of all the stakeholders in Cyprus shipping, the maritime sector of Cyprus will have an even brighter future. The accumulated know-how, the experience and the high level of professionalism in our island´s shipping world, in combination with the Government´s maritime policy and its continuous support will definitely lead Cyprus shipping to even greater accomplishments”, he explained.
The president said that the efforts for the further development of the shipping industry have intensified since 2015, when the country’s presence was increased in important shipping capitals, such as Hong Kong, China, USA, UK, Germany and Greece.
“Furthermore, a study for the identification of new shipping markets and ship types has been recently completed and it will be fully utilised within 2017 with the aim to increase our fleet”, he added.
Concluding, he pointed out that the government will try to combat the illegal trade prohibitions imposed by Turkey on Cyprus ships calling at Turkish ports and called everyone to help preserving and developing the sector.
“I am convinced that we will all together continue the hard work towards our goal, which is not only to maintain Cyprus’ leading role in the international shipping scene but to further develop and upgrade Cyprus shipping.”
