Cyprus is an Eastern Mediterranean island, a European country, and one of the oldest maritime centres in the world. Its recorded connection with ships and sea dates as far back as prehestoric times with historical fragments confirming that the country provided several "transit ports" even in those far off days. Cyprus is one of the most advanced economies in the whole Mediterranean region and a striking example of economic success, with the export of services being its main engine for growth. The island is an important regional transipment and commercial hub, major base for international ship management and multinational companies, as well as one of the five largest ship registry centres in the world.

Cyprus is a base for international shipping and commerce not merely by design, but also as a result of natural strengths and dinstinctive competence as well as through specialisation.

• Port authority