The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in association with TAFI, organized an Interactive Session with His Excellency Dr. Demetrios A. Theophylactou, High Commissioner of Cyprus to India on 25th November, 2017 at the Tata Steel Room of The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry on “ Cyprus : An Exotic Tourist Destination”.
The Programme started with Mr. Deb A Mukherjee, Vice President, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry delivering the formal welcome address. Mr. Anil Jhunjhunwala, Honorary Consul, Honorary Consulate of Cyprus introduced H.E. Dr. Demetrios A. Theophylactou to the audience.
A man of letters, the High Commissioner very aptly started by describing the geographical demographic composition of Cyprus. It was a part of the British Empire, as a military occupation from 1914 to 1925 and a Crown colony from 1925 to 1960. Cyprus became an independent nation in 1960. Cyprus joined European Union in May, 2004. He also touched upon the rich culture and heritage of the country and went on to describe the socio economic developments in the country till date. H.E. Dr. Demetrios A. Theophylactou mentioned that tourism accounts for 10.7% of GDP indicating a heavily tourism driven economy. One of the main attractions of Cyprus is the beaches. It ranks first in cleanest water in EU. To attract more tourists, the Government of Cyprus is proceeding with licensing in the development of the Integrated Casino Resort. Cyprus is also a full member of the World Tourism Organization due to the huge tourism prospects in the country.
He however mentioned that apart from tourism, situations are also conducive for the growth of other sectors like shipping, banking and healthcare. H.E Dr. Theophylactou specially harped upon the safety aspect of the country stating that it ranks number one in the safest small country category. He also stated that India Cyprus relation is being further boosted by a recent agreement increasing maritime trade between the two countries. Of the thirteen other agreements signed, the important sectors include Education, Defence, IT and Mining. He also mentioned that Cyprus was one of the largest foreign direct investors in India following Brexit. The investments can also be attributed to the much lower tax structure.
The programme concluded with Mr. Anil Punjabi, Chairman, Tourism Committee of The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry delivering the formal vote of thanks to H. E. Dr. Demetrios A. Theophylactou and other dignitaries present at the session and Deb A Mukherjee presenting a memento to His Excellency Dr. Demetrios A. Theophylactou on behalf of The Bengal Chamber.