Addressing an event at the Amman Chamber of Commerce, where a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Paphos Chamber of Commerce in the presence of business people from both countries, Anastasiades said his administration’s top priority is to attract investments, “as they constitute the catalyst for economic growth, job creation and prosperity.”
“Cyprus is emerging stronger than ever from an unprecedented crisis”, having officially exited recession and is registering growth as of this year, he said.
The President said there are investment opportunities in commerce, tourism, privatisation of ports, electricity and telecommunications, shipping, real estate, large-scale development projects, education, health, research and innovation. The recent discovery of natural gas reserves in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and the eastern Mediterranean creates excellent investment prospects in the energy sector and auxiliary services.
Speaking on current trade levels with Jordan, the President noted that “they do not reflect the full potential of our relationship” and addressed the businesspeople to proceed with new business initiatives and identify new areas for future co-operation.
He added that initiating negotiations to conclude a double taxation treaty will significantly help to boost economic, commerce and investment opportunities, for the mutual benefit of the business communities and peoples of the two countries.
Earlier in the day, Anastasiades received Amman’s golden key and announced the opening of the Jordanian Embassy in Nicosia in 2016.
During the ceremony, the Mayors of Amman and Paphos, Akel Beltaji and Phedonas Phedonos, also signed a twinning agreement.
Subsequently, the two mayors signed the twining agreement, in the presence of President Anastasiades, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides, the Minister of Water and Irrigation of Jordan Hazem Al-Naser, Metropolitan Venediktos of Philadelphia, members of the Municipal Council of Amman and Paphos and a delegation from the Paphos Chamber of Commerce and the city’s bar association.
Meanwhile, President Anastasiades is expected to convey a message that the EU should support Jordan and Lebanon in addressing the refugee crisis during the upcoming informal European Council to be held in Malta on Thursday.
The Cyprus News Agency reported that Anastasiades would propose to his counterparts in Valletta to financially support these countries in order to cope with their increased needs as it is estimated that Jordan alone has received 1.2 million Syrian refugees.
President Anastasiades will travel to Malta on Thursday after his official visit to Amman while in the evening of the same day he will depart for Israel and Palestine where he will hold further contacts.
Source: Financial Mirror
