Energy Minister looks forward to industry momentum

Cyprus` industry constitutes a strong pillar which contributes to the economy and its recovery, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Natasa Pilides said on Friday, noting that she is looking forward in the sector`s growth momentum.

Pilides was speaking to the press in the context of her visit in industrial parks in Limassol where she is meeting with stakeholders in order as she said "to enhance our cooperation with industrialists, so that industry growth can gain momentum but also to connect industry with green growth, innovation, smart industry and the implementation of the pillars of our industrial policy for 2030."

In her statements, the Minister also said that all problems reported to her which are mainly practical ones, are being recorded and expressed the hope that "we will find immediate and fast solutions." 

"We have already discussed many ideas, some of which have been implemented in cooperation with the Legal Service, in the context of which we are looking in ways to modernise contracts and industrial parks management as well as matters to do with cleaning, parking spaces and green spaces," she added.
 
Asked about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Cypriot industry, she said that during lockdown there were negative repercussions on the  exports and production, adding however that "the industry in general is a strong contributing pillar to the economy and may be one of the ways it will recover."

We hope that the lessons we have taken from the pandemic and the measures which are implemented will mean that we will be able to continue normal operations and production to the extent that this is possible, so that we do not have a repeat of what happened in the period between March and June, she pointed out.
 
Pilides further assured that her ministry is standing by the industrial sector. We are here to support, listen to problems and deal with them, she said, adding that the industrial sector is one offering some of the highest paying jobs and that there are many job opportunities.