We need to minimize the negative effects, says the Finance Minister
The Finance Minister, Takis Clerides, said that although Cyprus is a small part of international economy, a possible American intervention in Iraq will definitely affect the island’s economy, stressing that the Ministry is after the minimization of the negative impacts of the war and ‘sounding the alarm’ that Cyprus must be particularly careful.
As far as tourism is concerned, the Minister said “it is a source of profit for the island and its contribution to Cyprus economy is of vital importance. We need to clarify, however, that tourist industry is susceptible to this type of hostilities and it will be easily affected by a possible war”.
With regard to the cooperation with the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Ministry over the taking of the relevant measures against the war, the Minister pointed out that both the Ministries are after preliminary and subsequent measures that concern consumption, tourism and other sectors, stressing that the government’s main aim is to take precautionary measures so as to avoid last-minute decisions.
On the question whether war scenarios are able to avert the Ministry’s estimates for 2003, Mr. Clerides said that no one can predict the impacts of a war. “I believe that war scenarios cannot affect in great extent. On the other hand, an actual war has the power to influence even from the first day. We, therefore, have to be well aware of the duration of such a war”.
Finally, Mr. Clerides commented on the fact that Cyprus is an expensive tourist destination saying that despite the high price-fixing, Cyprus has always been successful in this sector. “The level of service offered to the tourist industry by the country is of great importance and we, therefore, have to focus on prices as well”, he said.
The Finance Minister, Takis Clerides, said that although Cyprus is a small part of international economy, a possible American intervention in Iraq will definitely affect the island’s economy, stressing that the Ministry is after the minimization of the negative impacts of the war and ‘sounding the alarm’ that Cyprus must be particularly careful.
As far as tourism is concerned, the Minister said “it is a source of profit for the island and its contribution to Cyprus economy is of vital importance. We need to clarify, however, that tourist industry is susceptible to this type of hostilities and it will be easily affected by a possible war”.
With regard to the cooperation with the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Ministry over the taking of the relevant measures against the war, the Minister pointed out that both the Ministries are after preliminary and subsequent measures that concern consumption, tourism and other sectors, stressing that the government’s main aim is to take precautionary measures so as to avoid last-minute decisions.
On the question whether war scenarios are able to avert the Ministry’s estimates for 2003, Mr. Clerides said that no one can predict the impacts of a war. “I believe that war scenarios cannot affect in great extent. On the other hand, an actual war has the power to influence even from the first day. We, therefore, have to be well aware of the duration of such a war”.
Finally, Mr. Clerides commented on the fact that Cyprus is an expensive tourist destination saying that despite the high price-fixing, Cyprus has always been successful in this sector. “The level of service offered to the tourist industry by the country is of great importance and we, therefore, have to focus on prices as well”, he said.
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