Opens in a new tab

Breaking news

Cyprus Ports Authority Secures Prestigious ISO 9001:2015 Certification

The Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) has achieved a significant milestone, successfully obtaining certification for its Ports Regulatory Affairs Management Department under the internationally recognized CYS EN ISO 9001:2015 standard. This commendation, granted by the Cyprus Certification Company (CCC) and validated by the International Certification Network (IQNET), underscores the authority’s global credibility and dedication to excellence.

Commitment To Quality And Transparency

The certification reaffirms the CPA’s unwavering commitment to quality, transparency, and continuous improvement. With a transparent framework that ensures adherence to international best practices, the CPA is setting a benchmark in port operations, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.

Strengthening Regulatory Leadership

As the principal regulatory and supervisory body within the port sector in Cyprus, the CPA leverages this achievement to reinforce its mission: ensuring that port activities are executed with the highest degree of professionalism and in strict alignment with global standards. This certification serves as tangible evidence of the organization’s enhanced operational integrity and dedication to the maritime community.

Investing In Continuous Improvement

Looking forward, the CPA remains committed to upgrading its regulatory tools and quality assurance practices. By investing strategically in these areas, the authority is poised to further fortify the trust of its partners while effectively meeting the evolving expectations of both professionals and society in the maritime sector.

ISO 9001:2015 Standard: A Global Benchmark

ISO 9001:2015 is the most widely adopted framework for Quality Management Systems (QMS) worldwide. Emphasizing risk-based thinking, leadership, and the continuous cycle of improvement through the Plan–Do–Check–Act model, this standard has set the foundation for over a million certified organizations globally. Certification, which follows an independent audit by an accredited body such as the CCC, is typically valid for three years, with mandatory annual surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance.

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

  • Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
  • Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
  • Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
  • Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
  • Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
  • Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
  • Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.

eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter