Problems emanating from restrictions Turkey imposes on Cypriot flagged ships are one reason that calls for a political settlement in Cyprus, the German Ambassador Gottfried Zeitz stated here today.
The issue was discussed at a breakfast organized by the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA) and the Cypriot – German Business Association in the presence of the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides.
Speaking after the breakfast, the Ambassador confirmed that the issue was brought up during the breakfast by representatives of the shipping industry, indicating though that “it is clear that it is a political matter” and that he couldn’t make any comment apart from saying that “just another example of the benefits that a final solution would bring about”.
“And this is one reason more to strive with all determination and all resources towards the final settlement” he said, indicating that “no solution is no solution and the current status quo cannot be the final state”.
The German Ambassador said today’s meeting between Cypriot and German businessmen adds value to the already excellent economic and trade relations between the two countries.
“Just to state that we are number one in importing Cypriot goods, so the trade relationship is very good and very prosperous” he noted, adding that the German Embassy in Nicosia is very happy to join forces and work together with CIPA and the German – Cypriot Business Association to improve the already excellent relationship in trade and the economy.
According to CIPA President Phidias Pilides the breakfast was held in order to discuss issues of concern to the German business community in Cyprus, “either related to shipping or tourism or even other sectors of the economy”.
Pilides explained that those issues relate to delays in the registration of companies, in documents concerning company changes and also problems faced by vessels under the Cypriot flag as a result of Turkey’s prohibition on such ships to approach Turkish ports.
On the market share of German companies in Cyprus, Pilides said that in 2008 German investment in Cyprus reached 153 million euro, ranking fourth among the countries with foreign investment in Cyprus.
Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Indusrty Manthos Mavrommatis said that economic relations between Cyprus and Germany are very important for the local economy, noting that an effort is being put in order to attract more investment from Germany, in particular strengthening the maritime sector as the presence of German companies is of high importance to Cypriot shipping.
''Generally there is an effort to attract German companies to be registered in Cyprus,'' he said, adding that for this the CCCI organizes business missions to German cities every year.
