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Before I begin I would like to thank Royal Caribbean International for your support, we see your presence here as a clear vote of confidence in the economy and we look forward to working with you. Mr. Ambassador thank you for being with us, the only Ambassador to Cyprus who is present, and I think this is a clear indication of the closeness of our relationship
And speaking of innovation, we try to follow Israel which is seen as a leader in innovation and I look forward to working together in this area and beyond. We need to learn from your example.
I feel particularly happy to have the opportunity today to address the inauguration of the Innovation and Blue Economy Centre - "Royal Caribbean International" of the Limassol Municipality.
It is a common assumption that in the context of the globalized and technologically advanced era we live in today, innovation is the driving force for a successful and resilient economy.
It is a common assumption that in the context of the globalized and technologically advanced era we live in today, innovation is the driving force for a successful and resilient economy.
Particularly for small countries, such as Cyprus, which has no heavy industry, the sectors of the economy where we can invest are limited, innovation is a priority.
It is precisely in this context that our Government places particular emphasis on key sectors of our country's economy and the implementation of new innovative technologies and solutions for the benefit of the economy, within our overall effort to expand the productive base of our country's economy.
It is in this context that our Government places particular emphasis on key sectors of our country's economy and the implementation of new innovative technologies and solutions for the benefit of the economy, within our overall effort to expand the productive base of our country's economy.
The creation of the Centre for Innovation and the Blue Economy will significantly enhance efforts in this direction, as it focuses on the blue economy and seeks to solve challenges through the creation of an ecosystem of strategic partnerships at the global level.
Since the day I took office, about two and a half months now, this is the umpteenth time that I have been in Limassol, within the framework of the Municipality's activities that are generally related to the implementation of everything that we want to achieve through our transition to the green economy, and I want to say that the Limassol Municipality deserves congratulations because you are pioneers in this effort.
At European level, this initiative is in line with and contributes to the objectives of Horizon Europe: "Restore our Ocean and Waters". The Centre's mission aims to protect and restore the health of our oceans and waters through research and innovation, and therefore the work we are launching today is fully in line with the European Union's initiative, as well as the achievement of the objectives of the "European Green Deal".
And I would like to commend the important work and the role played by the former Deputy Minister of Shipping, my friend Vassilis Demetriades.
At the national level, in the field of maritime research, which all Governments actively support, we are funding the CMMI, Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, a centre of excellence based in another province, specialising in Marine and Maritime Research, Innovation and Technological Development.
Such initiatives, such as CMMI and the Centre for Innovation and the Blue Economy, are a priority for the Government and fall within the priority areas of the "Smart Specialisation Strategy", which was recently approved by the Council of Ministers.
Our country has increased potential in the field of the Blue Economy - it was something we put in the framework of the trilateral cooperation with the US, Israel and Greece - if one takes into account its geographical position and the wealth of its marine resources. In order to strengthen this sector, it is essential to create and support centres such as the Centre for Innovation and the Blue Economy - Royal Caribbean International.
In Limassol we have over 200 companies providing shipping services, a multidimensional port, and a large tourist and shipping activity, therefore, this sector, through the city of Limassol, can play an even more important role in the economic development of our country and it is for this reason that the Deputy Ministry of Shipping plays a key role towards achieving these goals.
Our economy in general, because this is a sector of our economy, is strengthened through cooperation between academic institutions, public and private entities in our country for the transformation of innovative ideas into start-ups. Because you understand that an idea is important, but it clearly becomes more important when it enters the market, when it contributes to the economy of the country. When it is simply an idea which is recorded in a presentation, in a publication, it is important, but what is more important is how we proceed to the next stage, which is the commercialisation of that idea. Academic institutions can provide the necessary expertise and know-how, while public and private institutions can provide the funding and support, for the successful creation and development of new technologies. This cooperation helps to strengthen the economy in general, as the creation of start-ups, companies and products also promotes economic growth and what is our main goal, to expand the productive base of our economy, and at the same time creates quality jobs.
I am confident that by supporting actions/projects in the field of the Blue Economy, innovation and cooperation between industry, public and academic institutions, we can create economic growth in the region.
I am confident that by supporting actions/projects in the field of the Blue Economy, innovation and cooperation between industry, public and academic institutions, we can create economic growth in the region.
I am confident that by supporting actions/projects in the field of the Blue Economy, innovation and cooperation between industry, public and academic institutions, we can create economic growth in the region. We will continue to support innovative efforts that contribute to the realization of the goals we have set for the Cyprus we envision, not only for ourselves, but above all for our children.
(PM/MB)
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