Address
by the Minister of Communications and Works
Mr
Tasos Mitsopoulos, at the event “Blue Growth, the Irish model”
It
gives me a great pleasure to be with you today and I would like to
extent my sincere thanks to the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, the Maritime Institute of Eastern Mediterranean and the
Cyprus Shipping Chamber for organising this motivating event. I would
also like to welcome our speakers who came from Ireland to share
their experience and know-how with us.
Blue
growth is the long term strategy to support sustainable growth in the
marine and maritime sectors as a whole. It recognizes
that seas and oceans are drivers for the European economy with great
potential for innovation and growth. The European Commission,
acknowledging the vital role of the seas and oceans for Europe,
launched a broad and inclusive consultation with all stakeholders and
in general with all citizens of the European Union, which led to the
creation of the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) of the European
Union (EU).
This
policy is based on the clear understanding that all matters relating
to the oceans and seas are interlinked, and that the policies
associated with the sea must be developed coherently to achieve the
desired results. It forms part of the EU’s Sustainable Development
Policy and seeks to stimulate sustainable growth and employment in
the maritime sector, contributing to achieving the goals of the
'Europe 2020' strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
IMP recognized the important role of the seas and oceans to improve
the quality of life of an increasing number of EU citizens, who live,
work and spend their holidays in coastal areas.
Cyprus,
recognizing
the importance of a holistic approach to maritime affairs, has
prepared a draft Strategy for IMP which was put to public
consultation from 15 November to 31 December 2013. We are currently
in the process of studying and evaluating all comments and
suggestions received in order to form the final draft to be submitted
to the Council of Ministers for approval. Our IMP Strategy aims in
full utilization and sustainable development of our seas, within the
framework of cooperation and consultation with all stakeholders and
recognizes “Blue Growth” as a basic pillar of revitalizing the
Cyprus economy.
The
importance we attach
to the IMP is evident by its inclusion in our strategic priorities
during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second
half of 2012. The result of our initiative was the adoption of the
"Limassol Declaration" in October 2012 which is recognized
as an important component of the strategy "Europe 2020"
that supports growth, competitiveness and job creation within the
'blue' economy.
I am
sincerely looking forward to hearing the experts from Ireland
analyzing the Irish model of Blue Growth. We all know that Ireland,
being at the other edge of the EU, has done significant progress
towards this end. So we highly value your presence in Cyprus and we
are ready to listen and gain knowledge from your invaluable
experience.
Once
again thank you for coming to Cyprus and have a fruitful and
enjoyable stay in our island.
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