Anastasiades: Cyprus to get Deputy Maritime Minister “soon”

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said that his government is about to create the post of deputy minister for shipping, one of six new cabinets posts he had promised a year ago in order to relieve some of the burden from key departments.
In his address to mark the 25th anniversary of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, President Anastasiades praised the CSC for its contribution and active involvement in the further development of the shipping sector, which he described as the “main pillar” of the new model of development of the Cyprus economy.
He also supported that, taking into account the recent financial developments, the shipping sector will have an important and leading role to play in the recovery of the economy expressing the government’s determination to create an “Under-Secretary for Shipping” and he called upon all political parties to support this institutional change, which will provide a more purpose-focused and specialised development of government policy for maritime affairs.
Furthermore, the President also said that new prospects have emerged as a result of the recent discovery of hydrocarbons in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus, something which can turn Cyprus into an important energy centre in the eastern Mediterranean with a positive impact as far as the further development of the local shipping industry.
Addressing the CSC annual meeting held at the Four Seasons in Limassol, former transport minister and MP Nicos Nicolaides thanked the Chamber and its member-companies for their continuous support to the economy, especially following the recent financial crisis. He also stated that the House of Representatives is ready to support measures, which aim to maintain and strengthen further Cyprus shipping, such as the Bill for the creation of an “Under-Secretary for Shipping” and the promotion of the Shipping Taxation System abroad, in order for this productive sector to continue to support the economy.
Communications and Works minister Marios Demetriades praised the 25 year course of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and thanked the Chamber for its close cooperation in the development and implementation of the government’s maritime policy.
CSC President Capt. Eugen Adami emphasised that in the aftermath of the recent financial developments, the shipping operational and taxation infrastructure in Cyprus and the Cyprus flag remained intact and very competitive and as such, the image and credibility of Cyprus have been restored. He stated that Cyprus flag users remain loyal, supporting at the same time, the efforts to reinforce Cyprus shipping in order to continue its significant contribution to the economy. In addition, he expressed the view that, this high value worth and substantial contribution as foreign and local direct investment into the economy from shipping, can be maintained and enhanced even more, through certain actions within the framework of an Integrated Maritime Policy.