Issues pertaining to development projects in the city and district of Limassol were on the agenda of a meeting between the Board of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Limassol District Committee of the Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL).

George Georgiou, head of the AKEL Limassol District Committee, thanked the LCCI for its hospitality, pointing out that this was the second get-together of the two sides within a relatively short period of time, commending at the same time the initiatives undertaken by the LCCI in various sectors of the economy, and its contribution to the economic development of Limassol district.                                                                                       

Mr. Georgiou referred to the recent presence in Limassol of the President of the Republic, during which €124.7 million worth of projects were announced and pointed out that Limassol, by virtue of its contribution to the national economy, has a legitimate right to have high expectations from the state.

Specific reference was made to a number of projects, which are either being planned or are already under way in Limassol district, including the planned new stadium of Limassol, road projects, such as the partial connection of the seaside road with Franklin Roosevelt Avenue and improvements to the Limassol-Paphos motorway, the construction of a number of new breakwaters and of the Integrated Waste Management Unit at Pentakomo, which is due for completion by end-2016.

Mr. Georgiou said the projects announced by the President of the Republic are welcome, but there is a lot more to be done to address both development and social needs. With regard to the social aspect, specific reference was made to the problems faced by Limassol General Hospital where, in addition to the fact that planned radio therapy and heart surgery units have been put on the backburner, there are frequent shortages of consumables.

Regarding the Pentakomo Technopark, Mr. Georgiou expressed his satisfaction that this project is on the right track and commended the role of the Limassol Chamber in promoting the project.

On the part of the LCCI, President Costas Galatariotis said that the Chamber is closely following Limassol’s economic development needs and the necessary representations are made with a view to achieving what is best for the town. As for the casino-resort, the legislation for which was recently approved by the House of Representatives, Mr. Galatariotis reiterated the position of the Chamber that the location for this project should be chosen by the successful bidder.

Mr. Galatariotis also referred to the controversial issue of shop opening hours, pointing out that, apart from the fact that the Chamber is in favour of liberalisation, what cannot be accepted under any circumstances is discrimination against Limassol.  The Chamber was never happy with addressing the issue by means of decrees and the constructive cooperation of all is required so that legislation that will have to be voted on once the present decree expires at the end of November, is such that it really serves the interests of the county.