Transport Minister Marios Demetriades is holding contacts with shipping industry players and investors in New York.
In cooperation with the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA) the Minister is hosting on Thursday a reception at a hotel in Manhattan to promote Cyprus as an international shipping center.
Addressing a dinner hosted in his honor by the Cyprus Federation of Associations of America and PSEKA on Wednesday, the Minister underlined the importance of the maritime sector for the Cyprus economy. He said that the shipping industry contributes 7% to the GDP, noting that it can contribute even more. Demetriades also said that the Ministry intends to reinforce Cyprus` maritime office in New York.
The Transport Minister said that Cyprus has been through a severe economic crisis and has done sacrifices, but it has now recorded positive growth rates and is recovering much earlier than expected.
“There has been a small miracle in the economy. It is important to continue with reforms and do more things for our economy. To proceed with the privatization of ports and reforms in the public service”.
The Minister expressed hope that there will be more investments in the next twelve months.
On the Cyprus problem he noted that we should spare no effort to reach a solution and that every opportunity should be seized.
Philip Christopher, president of PSEKA said that overseas Cypriots always support every democratically elected President of the Republic and his government.