‘Growth is key to all problems’
President Demetris Christofias presented the Cyprus Exports Awards for 2008 to the successful companies on Thursday, saying that exports, tourism and services were the driving force to maintain satisfactory growth rates.
Speaking during the award ceremony, hosted annually by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), the president expressed optimism that problems in exports could be overcome with the measures taken on all levels, the cooperation and understanding of the social partners, the dynamism and flexibility of the businesspeople, and continuous efforts to improve the competitiveness of Cypriot products, especially with investment in new technology.
He said that the government would continue to encourage private initiatives and noted that a healthy, stable, durable and continuously developing economy was a factor of welfare and progress for the people, as well as secure infrastructure for the struggle for national survival.
Christofias said that Cyprus could reduce its fiscal deficit below 3% with the right measures, and noted that the government had prepared a package of measures for the economy and that a dialogue would soon begin with the social partners.
He also referred to the necessity to reduce bureaucracy, noting that everyone should contribute in this direction.
Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Antonis Paschalides said the main aim is to utilise the comparative advantages of Cyprus to create an appropriate business climate and the necessary infrastructure, which would help Cypriot businesses to succeed in the new international competitive environment, and to respond positively to business opportunities and challenges that may arise.
The Minister also referred to the package of measures to promote agricultural and industrial products, as well as services, utilising EU funds, as well as the recent plan to encourage businesses to adopt e-commerce.
KEVE President Manthos Mavrommatis said that special importance should be given to increasing competitiveness, which could be achieved by securing the quality of products and services.
Referring to public finances, Mavrommatis said that corrective measures were necessary to cover bulging fiscal deficits, adding that both businesses and employees in the private sector have already paid the hefty price of the financial crisis, while the public sector could not continue to be indifferent, shielded by the privileges it had already secured under different circumstances.
He said the executive should submit comprehensive proposals and the legislature should review them, in order to restore the growth prospects of the economy.
The award for small industrial units with less than 50 employees went to MP Theodorou (Salt Industry) & Co., the award for large industries with more than 50 employees went to ALCO Filters (Cyprus), the EU award for businesses with up to 50 employees went to Petrou Bros Dairy Products, and the EU award for businesses with more than 50 employees went to Enfoton Solar.
The export award for agricultural products went to Kourtellaris Imports-Exports, and the special award for the export of industrial products went to Elysee Irrigation.
The export awards for services went to Totalserve Management Ltd and Consulco Ltd, while the export award for tourist services went to Kanika Hotels Public Co.
