Cyprus talks up island’s shipping to India officials

Deputy Minister for Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis described the shipping sector as an invaluable asset for Cyprus, stating her determination to further strengthen Cyprus's position in global shipping.

According to a press release, Hadjimanolis welcomed the special Cyprus-India Working Meeting took place on Monday 29 May, at the Parklane Hotel, in Limassol, held in the framework of the Best Invest Congress.

Thanking the High Commissioner of India to Cyprus, Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat for the invitation, Hadjimanolis pointed out the excellent opportunity that this meeting offers to the participants to be informed about the latest developments in the business and investment sector, with a substantial exchange of views on a number of issues of common interest, as well as to explore the opportunities offered by the two countries.

"Such prestigious events," she said, "are extremely important and are supported by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Christodoulides, as they reinforce Cyprus's position as a modern, efficient and leading business centre."

Noting that "shipping is a business sector we are proud of" she went on to say that it is an invaluable asset for Cyprus with significant political and economic advantages. Hadjimanolis added that the Cyprus Register ranks 11th among international fleets and 3rd within the European Union.

She also referred to the friendly and close relations between Cyprus and India, which as Commonwealth countries, have always had long-standing cooperation in various fields.

Furthermore, she stressed that the shipping sector is no exception and the strong ties between Cyprus and India were further strengthened, following the signing of the Merchant Shipping Agreements, recalling that the first Agreement was concluded in 1997 followed by a new modernised Merchant Shipping Agreement, which was signed in New Delhi in 2017.

"As the competent maritime authority of Cyprus, we have an ambitious and clear vision and clear objectives for Cyprus shipping and we are determined to further strengthen Cyprus's position in global shipping. It is important that Cyprus and India continue to work together to achieve our common goals in both domestic and international matters," the Deputy Minister concluded.