Addressing Greek members of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Anastasiades stressed the importance of the maritime industry and of the Cypriot and Greek registries to the EU bloc.
Anastasiades stressed when it comes to EU sanctions against Russia, the Cyprus government is making every effort to minimise the negative impact the sanctions have on the shipping sector and “to maintain to the maximum extent possible the competitiveness of European shipping and, by extension, the Cypriot and Greek flags”.
“In all my contacts with EU heads of state or government, as well as in the context of the work of the European Council, I have repeatedly highlighted the basic principle and philosophy that must govern sanctions, so that they are targeted against the one whom they are directed and not against member states,” said Anastasides.
“If we were to listen to the Brussels bureaucrats, the first to pay the cost will certainly not be Russia and its energy exports but the merchant shipping sectors of Greece, Cyprus and possibly Malta,” said the Cyprus President.
He added that some of these bureaucrats do not understand the simple concept that a ship can change its flag “and therefore those who will be damaged are not the Russians who will continue to export, but the European countries and especially the strongest [in shipping], such as Greece, Cyprus, Malta”.
Cyprus and Greece, he said, did not hesitate to take a strong position on the adoption of sanctions that would have a negative impact on member states.
Anastasiades outlined the government’s strategic vision for shipping, stressing the principal goal was the creation of strong foundations for Cypriot shipping in order to tackle unforeseen crises and to capitalise on emerging opportunities.
He said the newly-created Deputy Ministry of Shipping aimed at strengthening Cyprus’ maritime policies and administration in order to respond to international competition.
He pointed out the strategic vision for Cyprus shipping, ‘SEA Change 2030’, adopted 12 months ago, seeks to lay a solid foundation for the shipping industry to adequately deal with unforeseen crises and to capitalise on emerging opportunities.
This strategic plan is based on three pillars: extroversion, adaptability and sustainability.
“This new philosophy not only lays a solid foundation for strengthening the competitiveness of the Cyprus registry but also enhances security levels on Cypriot-flagged ships, supports the shipping industry in its effort to decarbonise the sector through green tax incentives and seeks to redesign and strengthen the staffing of the network of shipping offices of the Republic of Cyprus abroad,” he said.
“At the same time, the strategy touches on the human factor aspect by ensuring adequate training and skills for seafarers by promoting e-education, e-training and e-learning by making use of available technology,” said Anastasiades.
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