Shipping has weathered the crisis

The shipping industry has weathered the global and Cyprus financial crises, demonstrating “remarkable resilience,” Transport Minister Marios Demetriades said, adding that the sector is looking to the future with confidence.

Addressing the annual general meeting of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners at the Athens Ledra Hotel, the Minister thanked the Union for trusting, supporting and promoting the Cyprus flag and Cyprus shipping, since its establishment.

Shipping is vital to Cyprus, Demetriades said, noting that it constitutes an important pillar for the country’s development, by attracting foreign investment.

During the members’ meeting, the Union of Shipowners elected Andreas Hadjiyiannis as its new President and Polys L. Haji-Ioannou was reappointed as Honorary President. Also on the Executive Committee are Vice President Anastassis David and Christos Chrysanthou, and outgoing President George Mouskas.

The remaining members and officers of the board are Ninos Yamakis (Treasurer), Elias Angelakos, Zacharias Zachariou, Mark Clerides, Dr. John Coustas, Antonis Mikellides, Nicole Mylonas, George Tsavliris, Dr. Nicolas Hadjiyiannis and Nikos V. Hajioannou.

The elections were followed by an extensive discussion of matters pertaining to the strengthening of the cooperation between the government and shipowners for further improvement of the Cyprus flag and for enhancing the Cyprus shipping role in the national economy.