I would like to highlight the historicity of today, given that after 20 years of disconnection, at last, the umbilical cord through shipping that connected Cyprus with Greece is being reattached in a more efficient way, with more modern ships, but most importantly: (The opportunity is finally given to many citizens who wanted it so much, either because they were afraid of aviation or because they wanted to transport motor vehicles and were unable to do so, to have an even more pleasant holiday.
After 20 years, if it was possible to reconnect Cyprus with Greece, it was due to the persistent efforts of the Government, following the suggestions of MPs and MPs, the systematic work done by the Deputy Ministry of Merchant Shipping, both by the previous Deputy Minister and her successor, Natasha Pileidou and then the dear Vassilis Dimitriades, but also, of course, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, and the government departments in general, who, by adopting the vision, moved forward so that, at last, a need that was essential for a safe coastal connection became a reality.
We know that it is not a profitable shipping business, which is why the state should have assisted. And in this direction were the efforts made towards the EU, so that it would allow, within the limits and financial possibilities of the state, to achieve the necessary subsidy and make what we are experiencing today a reality.
What I would like to emphasize is the important policies adopted by the establishment of the Deputy Ministry of Maritime Affairs, a reform that gave a new impetus to government actions.
The five Deputy Ministries have created other perspectives in policy making, in the effective and efficient use of the state's resources. These are important reforms and areas that through the vision of political personalities and with the help of competent technocrats can deliver the best results.
I just want to point out that as a result of the efforts, since the creation of the State Department, in addition to maintaining the 3rd position in terms of the largest merchant fleet in Europe, we are 11th in the world, but more importantly, we are the 1st country in ship management, the largest country hosting most of the ship managers. This is due to the significant work, the incentives, the significant contribution and assistance from the Government, so that it could be achieved.
As a result of the incentives that we gave and the promotion that was given, there is an increasing trend of establishing shipping companies in Cyprus and I want to give an example so that you can understand the extent, the magnitude of this successful effort that was made.
Specifically, the number of shipping companies joining the Capacity Tax System has almost tripled in the last decade and from 97 registered in 2012 to 275 today. We are talking about important sectors of the economy that employ 11 thousand employees on land and 55 thousand at sea. New prospects are opening up in terms of new professional directions, of course, always contributing to the economic development of the country. I wish safe and pleasant journeys to those who choose the ferry service, to thank Mr Nikos Tornaritis, Mrs Anita Demetriou, the other friendly Members of Parliament who took the initiative.
Those whom I must thank are the competent public servants who, in carrying out the policies that are drawn up, implement them, not just monitor them.
Good luck to them and may our reunion be for historical, national and tourist reasons.
(PM/SX)
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