Minister looks to bring Cyprus shipping into the future

THE MINISTER for Communications and Works yesterday paid a visit to the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) in Limassol, following an invitation by the CSC to meet and discuss the problems facing the Cypriot shipping industry.

“The aim of the Ministry is not just for Cyprus to preserve its position in commercial shipping, but to strengthen it further,” said Nikos Nikolaides. “There is potential for commercial shipping in Cyprus to move ahead and benefit the island,” he added.

Among the issues discussed at the meeting were the Cypriot tax regime, the creation of a specialised shipping department at the Ministry and the Turkish embargo on Cypriot vessels.

Specifically, the CSC called the state to take the initiative to inform the European Commission that the Cypriot tax system is compatible with the acquis communitaire. This is necessary in view of the impending review by the European Commission of the Cypriot shipping industry’s tax regime.

For years the CSC has been asking the state to create a department at the Ministry of Communications and Works, dedicated to shipping industry matters. According to the CSC, the creation of a ‘General Shipping Management’ ministerial department would speed up the decision-making and policymaking process for shipping-related issues.

The long-running issue of the consequences of the Turkish embargo to Cypriot vessels was also discussed at the meeting. The CSC once again pointed out the need for the lift of the embargo, a move that would further boost Cyprus’ shipping sector. Nikolaides explained that the embargo against an EU member-state is also a challenge to the EU itself.

“The EU has every reason to send messages towards Turkey that she cannot participate in the accession process without fully recognising EU member-states and removing restrictions that were illegally imposed upon member-states,” Nikolaides said.

Following the meeting, Nikolaides visited international shipping companies based in Limassol that are affiliated with the CSC.

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