Cooperation agreement signed in boost to circular economy efforts

Three government bodies signed a partnership agreement on Monday with the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEV) to boost cooperation and expedite the transition of businesses towards the circular economy.

A circular economy is one that seeks to reduce pollution by reusing resources and using fewer materials in the first place.

The ministries involved include Energy, Commerce and Industry ministry; the agriculture ministry’s department of the environment; and the deputy ministry for research and innovation.

The agreement will allow the ministries and OEV to implement joint initiatives within the sphere of the circular economy and facilitate the exchange of technical know-how and the proper utilisation of existing expertise.

“The government wants to open channels of communication with businesses so that they embrace green development, not only as a means to save the environment, but also as an opportunity to better utilise resources,” Energy Minister Natasa Pilidou said during the signing of the agreement.

“Businesses will follow this new, modern, viable and circular model of economic development will become more resilient and more competitive, while also creating new green job roles,” she added.

Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis said the memorandum marked a new era of cooperation to achieve the transition of tourism, industry and businesses towards the circular economy with significant benefits to the environment.

Deputy Minister for Research and Innovation Kyriakos Kokkinos said achieving the circular economy was both a challenge and an opportunity.

“Our ministry, in collaboration with research centres and centres of excellence in Cyprus, is promoting initiatives to utilise technology for the development of innovative solutions in order to support the circular economy,” he said.

OEV’s president Antonis Antoniou described the agreement as a sign that everyone involved is willing cooperate on matters of green development and the circular economy.

“With this agreement, we are enriching relevant initiatives in Cyprus and are helping business who wish to make the transition towards the circular economy,” he said.