Agriculture, shipping and tourism: the Kuban and Cyprus have a rich potential for cooperation

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to the Russian Federation Andreas Zinonos is on an official visit to the Krasnodar Territory.

In the regional administration, he met with the deputy governor of the region, Alexander Ruppel. The parties discussed possible ways of developing international partnership.

– I liked Krasnodar and Kuban. I have a feeling that I have known these places for a long time, – Andreas Zinonos shared his impressions of the region at the meeting.
And these feelings are understandable. The Krasnodar Territory and Cyprus have long-standing friendly ties. The cooperation is based on an agreement signed in 1992. Since then, partnerships have only grown stronger. Since June 2014, the Consulate General of the Republic of Cyprus has been operating in Krasnodar. Before the pandemic, there was a regular exchange of delegations between Cyprus and Kuban in the field of culture, education and tourism.

There are points of contact in the economic sphere. 16 regional companies export their products to Cyprus. In 2021 alone, the trade turnover between the Krasnodar Territory and the republic amounted to USD 131.2 million. At the same time, the export of oil and oil products accounted for $ 130 million. A similar trend is observed this year.

Meanwhile, according to the deputy head of the Krasnodar Territory, Alexander Ruppel, the field for economic cooperation between Kuban and Cyprus can become much wider and not be limited only to raw materials exports.

– We see that the turnover is growing. But, according to statistics, it is still based on the export of petroleum products. Although there is great potential for the supply of Kuban agricultural goods and wine, equipment for the food industry, and products of metallurgical enterprises to Cyprus. It is good that we are gradually emerging from covid restrictions, we can meet directly and discuss the development of our partnership, – said Alexander Ruppel.

To prove the export potential of the Kuban, Andreas Zinonos was shown a video about the development of various sectors of the economy in the Krasnodar Territory. After watching it, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cyprus to the Russian Federation noted that Kuban is indeed a significant region for Russia, where all industries are developed, as well as tourism, which, like in Cyprus, largely determines the movement in other spheres of the economy.

– This visit will be a window for further strengthening our ties. With regard to the agricultural sector, we can together consider our experience and find common ways of cooperation, it is worth exchanging experience in the spa sector. Cyprus is actively developing shipping today. And there is potential in this area too, – said Andreas Zinonos.
Alexander Ruppel noted that Andreas Zinonos outlined areas for cooperation that are priority for our region.

“For example, the experience of Cyprus in shipping would be very useful, since we are also promoting this direction today, we are working on the concept of creating yacht marinas,” said the deputy head of the governor of Kuban.

Entrepreneurs can foster faster and more proactive partnerships for both parties. After all, it is a business that is ready to invest in this or that production that is the generator for the development of international economic relations.

– It is possible to propose to work out, with the participation of chambers of commerce and industry, the direction of export-import nature, to determine which services and goods are in demand in the Republic of Cyprus, and which ones are in demand in the Krasnodar Territory, – said Alexander Ruppel.

As a result, the parties agreed to hold a business meeting, at which Kuban and Cypriot entrepreneurs will be able to get to know each other better, exchange experience and find business partners.

By the way, the program of the visit to Kuban by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to the Russian Federation is extensive and was not limited only to negotiations in the regional administration. Andreas Zinonos also visited the Krasnodar City Hall.

– I am glad for the understanding that has developed between Krasnodar and Larnaca. These two cities are similar to each other: both are developing successfully, while both have great potential that needs to be tapped. I am sure that in relations between the cities there will be every opportunity for the exchange of views, opinions, proposals for the implementation of interesting and mutually beneficial joint projects, – said Andreas Zinonos.

Recall that in September 2019, as part of the reception of foreign delegations on the occasion of the celebration of the City Day of Krasnodar, an agreement was signed on the establishment of partnerships between Krasnodar and Larnaca.

In October of the same year, a similar document was issued on the territory of Cyprus. And in May 2021 Krasnodar and Larnaca signed an agreement on business cooperation. The document provides for the development of trade relations in the field of industry, small and medium-sized businesses. There are plans for the implementation of joint projects in the field of sports, tourism and culture.

Also, within the framework of his current visit to Kuban, Andreas Zinonos met with students of the Kuban State University and representatives of the Greek community in Gelendzhik, visited Novorossiysk, where he got acquainted with the local Greek society and its culture.

Source: kubnews.ru