CYPRUS: Port privatisation a ‘one way street’ says minister

YoungShip Cyprus, the local chapter of the YoungShip International network of young professionals in the maritime industry, held its sixth annual seminar last week titled “Ports Privatisation – New Opportunities” with the main speaker being the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Marios Demetriades.

During the event, held at the Venue Centre of the Columbia Plaza in Limassol, the Minister spoke extensively about the controversial issue of ports privatisation and answered questions from the audience, repeating earlier statements that within the dialogue underway at the mixed advisory council, all rights of the workers at the ports would be secured.
The minister added that awarding the port-side services to private investors “is a one way street” for the development of the ports and sea transport sector, which will have a significant input on the growth of the economy.
Rival destinations, such as Malta, have already proceeded with similar actions more than ten years ago, with a positive impact on their econmy, Demetriades said.
The process is no different from what took place at the airports of Larnaca and Paphos, as well as that of the port of Larnaca, the Minister concluded.
He also invited all parties to contribute to help make the Maritime Cyprus conference in September a resounding success.
The board of YoungShip Cyprus thanked the minister for his candid presentation, as well as the event sponsor the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), as well as the members and participants for their active participation.
To become a member of YoungShip Cyprus or to find out about upcoming events and seminars contact [email protected] or visit www.youngship.com .