Manama, Bahrain. The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) said the Cyprus-Bahrain Business Forum held in Manama earlier this week was a key step toward deepening bilateral business and economic cooperation. Cyprus also said it will protect the competitiveness of European shipping amid rising regulatory pressure and green transition costs.
Cyprus-Bahrain Business Forum in Manama
The forum was co-organised by Keve and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the stated aim of strengthening economic and entrepreneurial ties between Cyprus and Bahrain.
The event brought together senior political and business figures, reflecting Keve’s aim of positioning Cyprus as a strategic partner for Bahrain-based companies seeking regional and European expansion.
Opening remarks were delivered by President Nikos Christodoulides, Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdulla Adel Fakhro, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Sameer Abdulla Nass and Keve president Stavros Stavrou.
“This business forum demonstrates the shared will of Cyprus and Bahrain to deepen their bilateral trade and political relations,” Christodoulides said.
Shipping competitiveness and emissions approach discussed in Brussels
Cyprus has pledged to protect the competitiveness of European shipping as the sector faces rising regulatory pressure and green transition costs.
Following talks in Brussels, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis and ECSA chief Sotiris Raptis met for a working lunch and called for a “realistic” approach to emissions that avoids eroding the sector’s global standing.
European shipping is facing mounting regulatory demands, practical challenges tied to the green transition and an increasingly complex geopolitical and commercial landscape.
The discussion focused on how Europe’s shipping industry can remain competitive while adapting to tighter environmental and policy frameworks, with emphasis on a realistic, technologically neutral approach to emissions reduction and the sector’s role in maintaining the EU’s security of supply and supporting economic resilience.
What do you think are the main priorities for balancing shipping competitiveness with emissions reduction targets?
