The 55th Annual General Meeting of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry was crowned with success.
The official part of the Meeting, which convened at the Chamber premises in the evening of October 24, got under way with an address by the Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry & Tourism George Lakkotrypis, who, aside from his references to encouraging signs in the Cyprus economy, commended the work done by the Limassol Chamber.
There followed an address on behalf of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry President, read on his behalf by CCCI Industry Vice President Christodoulos Aggastiniotis. In addition to pinpointing the pluses and the minuses of the Cyprus economy at the present juncture, Mr. Aggastiniotis described as particularly significant the Limassol Chamber contribution, not just at local level, but also in the decision making process of the Cyprus Chamber.
In his report before the Annual General Meeting, Limassol Chamber President Costas Galatariotis, having made concise reference to the state of the Cyprus economy, hailing the positive signs but cautioning at the same time against complacency as there was still a lot to be done on the way to economic recovery, proceeded with outlining the activities and initiatives of the Chamber in support of its members and with a view to promoting the development needs of Limassol.
He noted the registration of new members, as well as the Chamber’s constant contact with members, which included the direct possibility accorded to members to express opinion and contribute to the formulation of government policy by means of the LCCI Business Barometer. He also referred to the active pursuit of participation in European Programs, with a view to being able to offer additional services to members, noting at the same time that the Chamber is already participating in two such programs.
Mr. Galatariotis also spoke of the Chamber initiatives at sectoral level, in the fields of Commerce, Industry, Services & Tourism, making special reference to the specific and well-documented proposal for a New Industrial Policy, as well as to the LCCI contribution to the holding in Limassol of international sports events (with an evidently tourist dimension) σε such as the Limassol Marathon and the Cyprus Rally.
He described as particularly significant the Chamber’s cooperation with the All About Limassol portal, which operates under the LCCI auspices and provides round the clock information about what is to be found and what happens in Limassol, thanking at the same time organizations and enterprises that provide financial backing to the whole venture.
Referring to the casino-resort and to the choice of the interest investor to build it in Limassol, the Limassol Chamber President noted the sizeable benefits that are expected to ensue from this large investment, both at local level and also at country-wide level, amongst others with the creation of a significant number of employment opportunities.
The Limassol Chamber President also made reference to the highly important field of innovation and to the actions initiated in that direction by the relevant Chamber Committee. He hailed cooperation with the Cyprus University of Technology, which was highlighted in a new, upgraded cooperation protocol signed between the two parties, while also noting a similar cooperation agreement signed with the Research Promotion Foundation. He also mentioned the Chamber interest in, and activities in support of. the Pentakono Scientific & Technological Park.
He hailed the commercialization of Limassol port and the involvement in it of world renowned investors, as well as the initiatives of the Transport Minister, to facilitate port infrastructure-wise, the works of international companies that are active in Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone. He also expressed satisfaction at the completion of the new passenger terminal at Limassol port as well for the recent official opening of the revamped old harbour of Limassol.
Mr. Galatariotis singled out the contribution of foreigners – investors, visitors, residents, to local and to the national economy, noting LCCI relevant initiatives στο συγκεκριμένο τομέα, including the operation of the LCCI-based Russian Desk, the holding of networking events especially for foreign business people, and the upcoming honouring of outstanding Limassol-based foreign entrepreneurs.
Regarding international relations, he pointed out the conclusion of a cooperation protocol with the Tel Aviv Chamber and the exchange of business delegation between the two Chambers which raised potentially very positive prospects.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Galatariotis referred to some optimistic messages emanating from the LCCI Business Barometer, hailing the creativity of Limassol entrepreneurship which, despite the economic crisis, it has not given up an continues to turn out new tourist, housing and office projects. Outlining the capacities of Limassol, resulting primarily from private sector initiative and the beautifying projects undertaken by Limassol Municipality, he emphasized that what Limassol expected from the state was really very little. He mentioned as such the creation of an artificial reef for diving purposes with the sinking of an unused oil platform, some very basis road projects, the upgrading the Limassol archaeological museum, the complete clean-up of the former British Verengaria area in Polemidia as well as implementation of absolutely essential sewage and flood-control schemes.
The AGM ended with an honorary plaquette awarded to former LCCI Vice President Spyros Spyrou in recognition for his multi-year contribution to the Limassol Chamber.
