The actions will be taken in collaboration with the commissioner for mountain regions Costas Hambiaouris.

“We are trying to promote traditional products and traditional professions in relation to the exports and the works of the ministry’s trade service, as well as in relation to the handicraft service,” Pilides said after her tour in traditional handicraft businesses and wineries in the Limassol district.

Cyprus is following a 2030 strategy 2030 which aims to increase the industry’s contribution to the country’s GDP (currently at 8%) through sustainable development and digitalisation.

“We believe that the percentage can significantly increase through support and the finding plans which we promote in recent years and will be available starting at 2021 and onwards,” Pilides added.

Efforts are being made to make various grant schemes for such businesses less bureaucratic and more accessible, the minister said, “within the legal framework”.

“We are trying to do the best through the digitalisation so that [applications] can be submitted with easier procedures but also evaluate various projects faster, as well as to keep them open for longer,” Pilides said.

The minister said they are promoting law amendments to resolve certain problems, while others are simpler and are related to the “cleaning, fencing or infrastructure” where solution is sought immediately.

According to Hambiaouris, meetings will soon be held to inform people who wish to invest in the mountain areas.

Source: Cyprus Mail