The Cyprus Shipping Chamber held its 32nd Annual General Meeting, in hybrid format, through a virtual production, on Thursday, 20 May 2021.
The General Meeting was addressed by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, who referred to the multifaceted contribution of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber to the continuous development of Cyprus Shipping. In addition, he made a special reference to the vital role Cyprus Shipping played during the pandemic, in transporting the essential goods for which the world relies, as well as to the substantial support it provided to the Cyprus Economy, despite the serious impact it faced due to the pandemic. In addition, he confirmed that the Government will continue placing priority on Shipping in order for the sector to overcome the current challenges.
In his speech afterwards, the Shipping Deputy Minister, Mr. Vassilios Demetriades, presented the work and the strategic vision of the Shipping Ministry, to develop a more competitive, extroverted, adaptable and sustainable Cyprus Shipping.
The Chamber’s President, Mr. Philippos Philis, presented the important activities of the Shipping Chamber during 2020, mentioning both the environmental challenges global Shipping faces and the milestones of Cyprus Shipping in the midst of a pandemic, such as unanimous approval of the renewed Cyprus Tonnage Taxation System by the House of Representatives. Moreover, he added that it is necessary the Cyprus Government continues its political support to the Shipping sector through a focused national strategy, in order to maintain its leading position and to face the current global challenges. Special mention was made to the suggestion of the Shipping Chamber for the possibility to establish a Financial institution for the Shipping and Transport sector, based on the “Green, Sustainable and Circular” Economy.
The General Meeting was also attended virtually by Cyprus State and Government dignitaries, Diplomats, representatives of Professional Organisations and Members of the Chamber.
During the General Meeting, the Chamber carried out the election its new 12 Board of Directors Members. The new Chamber President elected is Mr. Themis Papadopoulos, replacing the outgoing President, Mr. Philippos Philis, who takes over the Presidency of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), in January 2022.
