Cyprus` shipping sector has evolved in the recent years as one of the leading sectors of the economy and “navigates” Cyprus to economic recovery, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades stressed on Friday.
In his address at the Cyprus Shipping Chamber Dinner, in Nicosia, President Anastasiades expressed the government ́s appreciation to all participants for their continuous support and the trust they place on Cyprus Shipping and its Flag throughout the years and for contributing towards the `impressive development of the Cyprus Shipping Industry`.
He added that despite the international adverse economic conditions and the financial difficulties that Cyprus faces in the last years, the Cyprus shipping sector managed to maintain its competitiveness and perspectives as a result of combined efforts from the
public and private sectors.
The President noted that shipping has in fact evolved in the recent years as one of the leading sectors of the economy and “navigates” Cyprus to recovery.
It is worth mentioning, he added, that the contribution of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber is invaluable and through its rich work and multi-facet activities has managed to preserve Shipping as the life blood of the Cyprus economy.
The President said that the Cyprus Government acknowledges now, more than ever, the important role that the Shipping sector plays in the Cyprus economy, adding that foresight, proper planning and hard work, are indispensable in our mission to preserve Cyprus’ leading edge.
At the same time, he said, the Cyprus Government is well aware of the fact that the local shipping sector operates in a continuously evolving, highly competitive global environment, which requires stability, an essential ingredient for long term planning and investment, he added.
“For these precise reasons, my Government is determined to introduce those mechanisms necessary to protect this important sector, as well as to develop and enhance it much further. As this is a social event, I will not go into detail on the continuous efforts made by this Government and in particular the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works and the Department of Merchant Shipping, to further improve the overall Shipping infrastructure in Cyprus and our services in the Shipping Industry”, he added.
Instead, he said, “I will reiterate my Government’s intention to continue to place priority on Shipping and to assure you that the co-operation which exists until today between the Government and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber will not only continue, but will be further enhanced”.
The Cypriot President said that this year’s official dinner comes at a time when a positive momentum has been created, both in terms of “our continuous efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement on the Cyprus Problem, as well as the developments in the exploration and exploitation of our natural resources”.
“A viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem will inevitably lead to the lifting of the Turkish restrictive measures on Cyprus ships, a pending obligation by Turkey towards Cyprus and towards the EU. We will continue working tirelessly towards this end. It is my personal view that Shipping can act as a catalyst in the stability and further development of the Eastern Mediterranean region”, he continued.
President Anastasiades said that towards that aim, Shipping forms part of the tripartite agreements with neighbouring countries, such as Israel and Egypt and it is clear that through intelligent planning and strategic alliances, the Shipping sector will play a leading role in the joint efforts towards the creation of a new, more efficient and sustainable model for the region.
Expressing conviction that the excellent cooperation and working relationship between the Government and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber will continue, paving the way to new accomplishments and a brighter future for Cyprus Shipping, the President extended once again his sincere appreciation for the invaluable contribution to Cyprus Shipping and asked them to continue their efforts towards the common goals.