The maintenance and further development of Cyprus Shipping is a common goal for all stakeholders and the implementation of the national maritime strategy is a priority for the Government, says the President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, on the occasion of today's 33rd General Assembly of the Cyprus Chamber of Shipping.
In his address, read by the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Vassilis Demetriades, President Anastasiades expressed his optimism about the course of the economy, which is emerging from a prolonged period of uncertainty, due to the pandemic, proved resilient, he said, with economic growth rates estimated at around 4% for 2022, according to the European Commission's latest forecasts.
"In such a difficult year - with an ever-changing landscape of rules and regulations - I could not be more proud of the performance of the shipping industry, its contribution to the Cypriot economy and its vital role in society during the pandemic," he added.
It has never been clearer, he continued, how much shipping contributes to our country, while highlighting "the tireless efforts of our seafarers, who continued to deliver cargo all over the world, including Cyprus, which again we recognise and appreciate."
Recalling the economic contribution of shipping to the country, President Anastasiades stressed that the Government is well aware that, through shipping, Cyprus is distinguished and occupies a remarkable international position, far beyond its size and limits.
In addition, he underlined the role of the Cyprus Chamber of Shipping, which has been serving Cypriot shipping since 1989 "and should feel proud to have been elevated to an important professional organisation with active involvement in the formulation of government maritime policy and for its contribution to the development of the Cyprus Register and the domestic shipping industry".
In his speech, the President of the Republic also referred to the contribution and actions of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, which in 2021 presented its integrated long-term strategy for shipping "Sea Change 2030", with 35 different actions aimed at the sustainable development of Cypriot shipping.
Asserting that the implementation of the national maritime strategy is one of the most important priorities of the Government, President Anastasiades said that the aim is for our shipping industry to be one step ahead of the competition, both as an international registry and as a base for international shipping activities.
To this end, he added, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping has already launched a tender for its digital transformation , "a project that is expected to maximise its operational efficiency". Moreover, he continued, the Government, in an effort to further increase the efficiency and attractiveness of the Cyprus Registry, will submit a draft bill proposal to the House of Representatives for the adoption of a regulatory and administrative framework regarding the establishment of a shipping company.
At the same time, the President stressed that, as a leading maritime state, we have the responsibility to accelerate the process of transition of shipping to a low-carbon and climate sustainable industry. "It is clear that we need a coordinated approach for targeted international measures that should always be formulated in close consultation with the shipping industry," he said, adding that "such a course of action will allow us to achieve our emission reduction targets while ensuring a sustainable future for the shipping sector."
President Anastasiades also described "a thorn in the side" for Cypriot shipping, the ongoing illegal Turkish embargo, assuring that the Government is constantly intensifying efforts to remove "this clear violation of international and European laws, which hinders free trade and harms the interests not only of Cypriot, but also of European shipping".
Referring to the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, he noted that the sanctions imposed on Russia have a serious impact on international trade and especially on many Russian and Ukrainian seafarers working for Cyprus-based shipping companies. Saying that the Cyprus Government is ready to offer all possible assistance needed to facilitate the shipping industry and protect affected seafarers, he cited as an example the decision to facilitate the opening of bank accounts, in cooperation with financial institutions, for seafarers and their families who do not have access to their salaries.
Finally, expressing his appreciation to the Cyprus Chamber of Shipping, President Anastasiades also expressed his confidence that "together, we will continue to work hard towards our goal, which is not only to maintain Cyprus as a world-class international shipping centre, but to further develop and upgrade Cyprus shipping".
Full Parliamentary support to shipping said A. Demetriou
Shipping is a sector that can play an important role in ensuring sustainable development, the Speaker of the Parliament, Anita Demetriou, said in her address, expressing Parliament's full support for the industry.
She also assured that as a new politician and as the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives, she remains committed to supporting the objectives advocated by the "Sea Change 20230" strategy of the Ministry of State of Maritime Affairs concerning a changing climate, where shipping is linked to civil society, through lifelong learning, the promotion of a maritime culture, particularly among young people, and equality in the maritime and shipping professions.
Recalling the launch of the Cyprus-Greece maritime passenger connection after 22 years, Anita Demetriou said that it is expected to contribute to increasing connectivity, which is a top priority for Cyprus.
In addition, she said that "the House of Representatives and its relevant Committees regularly examine issues related to shipping, including issues of sustainability and protection of the marine environment", noting that "in light of today's challenges, including climate change, shipping is a sector that can play a central role in ensuring sustainable development".
In these times of international turmoil and significant economic challenges, he continued, the role of shipping in strengthening the economy and promoting prosperity in our region has become even more important, stressing that, initiatives and actions taken collectively for shipping are vital and should be fully supported.
The Cypriot shipping industry has remained resilient
Moreover, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber, Themis Papadopoulos, stressed in his address that in the aftermath of a prolonged difficult period, the Cypriot shipping industry has remained resilient and has continued to provide its vital services to humanity.
He stressed the need for the creation of the one stop shipping centre at the Ministry of Shipping, which he said would be a driving force for the further upgrading of Cyprus into a modern, quality and sustainable shipping centre.
He also referred to the efforts of the Cypriot shipping industry to achieve the targets set to further reduce the environmental footprint of global shipping in an efficient and safe manner, as well as the need to lift the Turkish embargo on Cypriot-flagged ships.
Source: KYPE
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