In the framework of the Best Invest Congress, the special Cyprus-India Working Meeting took place on Monday 29 May, at the Parklane Hotel, in Limassol.

The Cyprus-India Working Meeting was welcomed by the Shipping Deputy Minister, Marina Hadjimanolis, who thanked the High Commissioner of India to Cyprus, Mrs. Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat for the invitation, and 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.”

As mentioned by Mrs Hadjimanolis, “Shipping is a business sector we are proud of.  It is an invaluable asset for Cyprus with significant political and economic advantages.  The Register of Cyprus Ships ranks 11th among international fleets and 3rd within the European Union.

The Shipping Deputy Minister, referred to the friendly and close relations between Cyprus and India, which as Commonwealth countries, have always had long-standing cooperation in various fields.  She went on to stress 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.  The first Agreement was concluded in 1997 followed by a new modernised Merchant Shipping Agreement, which was signed in New Delhi in 2017.

In closing, Ms. Hadjimanolis thanked and wished every success in the proceedings of the meeting, concluding that “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.”