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KEBE: Stricter measures for the unvaccinated and unruly

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KEBE: Stricter measures for the unvaccinated and unruly

In case the pandemic is not controlled quickly and adequately, then we are expected to have negative effects for the third consecutive year in vital sectors of the Cypriot economy, such as tourism, air transport and others, warns the president of the CCCI, Christodoulos Agastiniotis in a message for at New Year's Eve.

“It seems that the new year will not be as easy as we all initially thought. The escalation observed both in Cyprus and internationally in the new cases of coronavirus as well as the large diffusion of the “omicron” mutation, raise several questions about the course of the economy in 2022 “, notes the president of the CCCI and adds that there is a need to Let's focus more on pandemic mitigation measures, because March, when preparations for the new tourist season begin, is not so far away. The CCCI calls on the state to tighten the environment for the unvaccinated and to put more pressure on the unruly to comply with the measures.

The New Year message of the President of KEBE Mr. Chr. Agastinioti is as follows:

“It seems that the new year will not be as easy as we all initially thought. The escalation observed both in Cyprus and internationally in the new cases of coronavirus as well as the large diffusion of the “omicron” mutation, raise several questions about the course of the economy in 2022.

If the pandemic is not controlled quickly and adequately, then we are expected to have a negative impact for the third consecutive year on vital sectors of our economy, such as tourism, aviation and others.

It is necessary, therefore, to focus more on pandemic control measures, because March, when preparations for the new tourist season begin, is not so far away. The CCCI calls on the state to tighten the environment for the unvaccinated and to put more pressure on the unruly to comply with the measures.

At the same time, it seems that we are entering a new critical period for energy due to the challenges of Turkey in the Cypriot EEZ. The resumption of drilling and the continuation of our research program are of the essence for Cyprus, so effective ways must be found for Turkey to comply with international law and the law of the sea. For the CCCI, as we have said many times, the utilization of our marine natural wealth is very important for both national and economic reasons.

We have great concerns about the national issue, since the Erdogan-Tatar duo insist on the anachronistic and dichotomous solution of the two states in Cyprus. This unacceptable demand of theirs hinders any attempt for convergence and the start of a constructive dialogue for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

In the economic field, there is a need to balance public finances, which due to the pandemic have large differences. In particular, public debt, which has soared to 115% of GDP, must be reduced to avoid new fiscal adventures. The deficits and reserves of the state coffers also need significant correction. The CCCI, as mentioned in the package of 66 proposals – measures that it recently published, insists on a strict fiscal policy that focuses on development, instead of operating and consumer spending. Issues such as the restraint of the state wage, the operating expenses of the state and the like must be put back under our microscope.

In the same context, we must finally proceed with the implementation of the reform of the public service, the judiciary and the local self-government. Any further delay will be unacceptable and many times harmful for Cyprus, since in addition to preventing the modernization of these sectors, we will also lose resources from the EU Recovery and Resilience Fund. Such a development will prevent the modernization of state structures and investment plans to upgrade Cyprus.

At the same time, with the above, we must move forward in the new year to further enrich our traditional sectors, such as industry, tourism, shipping and real estate and at the same time promote imaginative plans for new areas of innovation, research , digital transformation, private medicine and education, sustainability, green and blue growth, etc.

We still have to meet the new challenge of the energy crisis, which is plaguing the world economy. The increase of inflation in Cyprus to 4.3%, the increase of energy and electricity costs and many products and services, worry us both in relation to the living standard of the citizens and with the erosion of the competitiveness of our economy.

Finally, we must not forget the need to promote measures related to the tax framework, investment, the very serious shortage of properly trained workforce, the “red” loans, the borrowing needs of companies, the lack of sufficient cash in the market, the better utilization of EU programs, economic diplomacy. All of these are important components of having a sustainable and growing economy.

As it turns out, the puzzle we have to manage in the new year is big and difficult. There are no easy recipes. Ready-made solutions are not offered.

The government, the parties and the productive classes must work closely and constructively to find and promote the best solutions.

We, as CCCI, will do, as always, our duty. We will stand by the economy and businesses to create the prospects for greater growth and progress. On the occasion of the new year, I publicly call on the thousands of members of the CCCI to continue their leading role in the economic events of the place. The next day of the pandemic must be better than today. And that is why we will work with all our might. In 2022, despite the difficulties and obstacles, it can and must become a year of progress and prosperity for Cyprus and its citizens.

With this message, I wish all the members of the CCCI and the Cypriot Hellenism a Happy New Year and Happy Birthday “.

Source: politis.com.cy

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