The need for the Government to proceed immediately and proactively towards examining measures to absorb the possible consequences of the expected increases in fuel and raw materials, as well as in adopting targeted actions to support the hotel and tourism sector, has been emphasized by the President of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB), George Pantelides, on the occasion of developments in the Middle East.
As - among other things - he underlines in his written statement that, "business activity is continuing without any significant detectable obstacles in any sector of the economy," noting that the only negative development is the temporary suspension of flights to Cyprus airports by some airlines.
The President of OEB's statement, translated from Greek:
"Cyprus is not participating in military operations in the Middle East and is not going to get involved, as the Government explicitly assures.
The country's geographical proximity to the fields of operations and the incident with the drone at the British Akrotiri Base at midnight on Sunday, correctly activated the State's reflexes immediately and with the assistance of allied countries, mainly Greece, Cyprus is creating a strong dome of defensive protection against any threat or accident.
The anxiety of citizens over the situation is understandable. Given this, timely and accurate information is required to avoid unnecessary panic.
I would like to emphasise that business activity is continuing without any significant obstacles in any sector of the economy. The only negative development is the temporary suspension of flights by some airlines to our airports.
However, it was with great relief that we saw yesterday's announcement by Hermes Airports confirming (a) that the majority of airlines never interrupted their flight schedule and (b) that some airlines that temporarily interrupted have resumed their routes to Larnaca and Paphos and we hope that others will follow. It is a development that adds to the stability and security of our country.
The return to normality of daily social and business life must be achieved without delay, before unnecessary damage is caused to the economy. The Government should immediately and proactively consider measures to absorb the possible consequences of the expected increases in fuel and raw materials, as well as the adoption of targeted actions to support the hotel and tourism sector.
The media have made a decisive contribution from the very beginning to objectively inform citizens about the events and to guide them on the active and passive protection measures promoted by the competent authorities. We are confident that they will continue to provide responsible information with the aim of the country's full return to normality."
(Source: InBusinessNews)
