Newsroom / CNA
Cyprus' Shipping Deputy Minister Natasa Pilides underlined "the need to maintain the competitiveness of European Shipping," during the debate on trade and competitiveness at a conference held within the framework of the European Maritime Week, in Brussels.
In particular, Pilides called for "the introduction of new incentives to ensure further development of the sector and support for maritime technology, innovation and education" and emphasized "the importance of an integrated Blue Growth Strategy, which will contribute to the overall economic development of EU Member States ".
According to the European Commission, Blue Growth is the long term strategy to support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors as a whole.
The "FlagShip Conference", which Natassa Pileides addressed was organised by the European Shipowners Association (ECSA) in collaboration with the EU Transport Directorate and is a leading event for European and international shipping. Among the speakers at the conference were the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization Kitack Lim, the European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean, European Union officials, ministers, shipowners and senior officials of international shipping.
Pilides also had a meeting with Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean, during which she had the opportunity to discuss specific issues concerning European and international shipping. The Commissioner presented the Commission's priorities and objectives and asked for Cyprus' support in European and international maritime forums.
The Deputy Minister assured the Commissioner that Cyprus will continue to make a constructive contribution to the work of the EU and the International Maritime Organization, while ensuring the competitiveness of shipping internationally.
