Cyprus remains a major maritime center, Communications and Works Minister Tasos Mitsopoulos has assured, adding that Cyprus shipping continues business as usual.
In a speech during the East Med Marine Exhibition on Thursday in Limassol, he also said the Cyprus tonnage tax scheme is “locked” for ten years.
The East Med Marine Exhibition is a specialised Technical Marine exhibition which gives the opportunity not only to the local shipping industry but also to the shipping industry of the whole East Mediterranean region, to become aware of the latest developments in marine technology and related services through more than 70 exhibitors.
Mitsopoulos said “we welcome such events, as they strengthen Cyprus’ position as a leading international maritime centre and add to its high quality”.
The hard times that the whole world is going through due to the global financial crisis and in particular the difficult situation that Cyprus is facing at the moment, said Mitsopoulos, “need to make us gather our strength, the power of the human element and the knowhow that has been accumulated in our island throughout the years, and do our best to support the economy and put it back on track”.
Merchant shipping is a business sector for which Cyprus is proud of, the Minister of Communication noted, adding that the Cyprus registry today ranks tenth among international fleets and third within the European Union.
“Our aim is not just to maintain Cyprus’ leading role in world shipping but to further develop and upgrade it. Our ambition is to be a step ahead of competition at any time, both as an international registry and as a base for international shipping operations,” he added.
Mitsopoulos sent a “clear message of determination, resilience and confidence”.
“Cyprus remains a major maritime center and we would like to assure you that Cyprus Shipping is continuing business as usual. The overall shipping operational and taxation infrastructure in Cyprus remain intact. The Department and the Registrar of Cyprus ships have been and will continue to operate as usual. The Cyprus tonnage tax scheme is ‘locked” for ten years’ ”, he said.
Mitsopoulos informed delegates that the “Maritime Cyprus 2013” Conference organised biennially his Ministry and the Department of Merchant Shipping, in cooperation with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners is scheduled to take place between the 6th and 9th of October here in Limassol.
