This is Cyprus’ third Deputy Minister, following the appointments of Deputy Ministers for Shipping and Tourism.

Speaking at an official ceremony for Kokkinos' appointment, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades stressed the current policy featuring large Ministries with overlapping competencies “cannot respond to the expectations of a modern state.”

“At last, a rationalization of the various scattered competencies for certain sectors of the economy is taking place with a view to putting political guidance in place, consolidating services and removing overlapping competencies by various Ministries rendering the government more effective,” Anastasiades said.

He added that the creation of a Deputy Ministry for Research Innovation and Digital Policy will provide continued momentum for the already achieved progress in the economy.

On his part, Kokkinos assured he will do his utmost to achieve an auspicious reform project, a task the implementation of which demands time, collective action and support from political parties, the ecosystem and the society.

“Our aim is with digital transformation, boosting investment in scientific research and innovative entrepreneurship is the prospering of every citizen and company alike in a dynamic digital economy,” he said.

But he underlined that the Ministry’s work “is not limited in the timelines of one government or the term of one Deputy Minister. It is important to maintain a long-term prospect and to set high targets that would lead and guide us both concerning planning and decision-making for the implementation of a comprehensive system of innovation and digital policy.

Source: Kathimerini News