The whole spectrum of issues on the agenda of the Limassol industrial sector were discussed during recent separate meetings in the Agios Athanasios Area, the A’ Industrial Area of Limassol and the Agios Silas industrial area in the presence of the Limassol Chamber Industry Vice President Charalambos Patthis and the Director of the Industry Department of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry Andreas Andreou.
Mr. Pattihis reassured the presidents and the members of the Industrial Associations that the Chamber not only supports them in their daily challenges but also believes in the future of the sector and it was exactly to that end that the Industry Committee of the Chamber came up with a comprehensive study on a New Industrial Policy which has been endorsed as official Cyprus Chamber policy and is now under consideration by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
On his part the Cyprus Chamber Industry Department Director referred to the initiatives adopted and launched in support of the issues put forward by the industrial associations, including with regard to the uses one can make on industrial premises, the extension of lease agreements, etc.
Issues submitted for consideration on the part of the Industrial associations included the Industrial estates regime in Cyprus, as opposed to that in other European Union member countries, government schemes in support of industry, shortages of skilled labour, the difficulties interfering with entry and work permits in Cyprus of scientists from third countries in cases where no such can be found within the European Union. Such difficulties, it was stressed, are confronted in cases where a third country expert needs to be in Cyprus for just a few days to facilitate the commissioning of newly acquired machinery. Other issues mentioned included the need for public transport to facilitate access to and from the industrial estates as well as the high electricity and water supply fees that industries have to cope with.
All issues raised during the three meetings have been written down and the Chambers will assess them and make the necessary representations in pursuit of solutions.
