The head of state added that he knows from his own experience how important it is to establish and maintain business relationships. “That is why I am so hopeful that this seminar and our meetings with entrepreneurs here in Cyprus will create cooperative ties for us as a springboard to specific undertakings,” he said.
Estonian companies are also interested in working with Cyprus in the maritime sector. “Our country has a proud history of shipbuilding, with many such facilities on the Baltic Sea belonging to Estonian companies,” President Karis explained. “They are eager to take on innovative projects to provide much-needed solutions in a situation where environmental rules are becoming increasingly complex.”
The head of state added that Russia’s war in Ukraine has had an impact on the dynamics of shipping in the Baltic Sea region and forced companies to look for new markets. “Now is the perfect time to foster cooperation between ports and shipping companies on the Mediterranean and Baltic seas,” he said. He also talked about digitalisation, noting that Estonian companies already export their knowledge in this regard to small countries and would be happy to share it with Cyprus. “We have used our knowhow from the digital field to build businesses in other branches of industry,” he added.
Finally, President Karis said that like Cyprus, Estonia enjoys a great deal of economic freedom and boasts an excellent business environment. “This is reflected in the countless start-ups we have spawned, 10 of which have grown into unicorns,” he said.
President Karis has been accompanied on his visit to Cyprus by a business delegation comprising representatives of Admirals Group, Amisco, Datel, DefSecIntel, Saaresalu, the Port of Sillamäe, TalTech Kuressaare College and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They will be meeting with local entrepreneurs to explore mutual interests and to discuss potential for cooperation.
