President Nikos Christodoulides said his government was committed to enhancing the services offered by Cyprus’ Shipping Registry, during a dinner at the Presidential Palace to mark the Maritime Cyprus Conference that kicked off on 9 October in Limassol.
Christodoulides said the Conference was very important for Cyprus, attracting key industry stakeholders from around the world in a strong vote of confidence in the island’s maritime capabilities.
The global maritime industry is a force to be reckoned with, he added, with strong links to the international political and economic arena. It is not without its challenges however, said Christodoulides, what with the green and digital transformation, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, cybersecurity concerns, and the shortage of skilled personnel, all compounded by the hurdles encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. And so, Christodoulides said, a collective approach and international solutions are required, if these challenges are to be addressed effectively.
Climate change and marine environmental protection are sensitive issues of global concern, he said, before asserting Cyprus' commitment to playing a constructive role in the transition to greener shipping practices. However, he noted, any ambitious goals should at the same time be realistic and practical, bearing in mind that security should be a non-negotiable condition in whatever is decided.
The implementation and uniform application of regulations and legislative frameworks to ensure fair competition within the maritime industry are also key, said President Christodoulides, as he expressed unwavering support for the work of the International Maritime Organization in this regard.
The President went on to list the Cypriot Shipping Registry's competitive advantages, including a stable and attractive tonnage tax system, zero registration fees, round-the-clock service, a highly skilled workforce, stringent safety standards, efficiency, and flexibility. These attributes, combined with Cyprus' status as an EU member state, align perfectly with the needs of modern shipping companies, he noted.
Christodoulides also referred to ongoing initiatives to simplify and enhance the services provided by the Cypriot Shipping Registry. As he said, the government was actively developing a one-stop shipping service centre and the aim is to digitise all Shipping services by 2024.
Concluding his address, the President said the recent double upgrade of the Cypriot economy and the restoration of Cyprus' credit rating to investment grade by Moody's, after 12 years, opens up perspectives and further opportunities, strengthening the framework for attracting even more quality investments and creating new jobs.
(Photos: PIO)
