Cyprus Finest Magazine (issue 1, 2017) | Page 28

SPARKS HOPE FOR CYPRUS Discovery of New Gas Reserves The discovery of new gas reserves in the Mediterranean Island Cyprus has opened up new prospects for the country with regards to the economy and trade of the island. L ocated in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus has been struggling to find new ways of improving the economy by opening up new and diverse em- ployment methods along with trading with other countries. The gas reserves are a new discovery that will enable Cyprus to invite stakeholders from other countries to buy and use the gas reserves which is bound to bring an economic boost to guaranteed profitable trade. It is a new form of industry which is gaining attention and investment from all over the world and makes the country a prospective gas provider. Offshore gas reserves have been found which are estimated to be over 4trillion cubic feet, val- ued more than $50 billion. Companies like Qa- tar, Total, ExxonMobil and Eni acquired licenses to extract oil and gas from these areas on the southern coast of the island. This makes Cyprus a potential energy provider for Europe which would guarantee friendly ties between them and less dependence on Russia for supplies. U.S and European diplomats have shown interest and have decided to get involved in this exciting prospect that would resolve problems. 28 The President of Cyprus has been holding talks with the goal of making the country better and more united over energy issues. Israel and Egypt are the top most countries that benefit from oil and gas reserves from Cyprus. The energy crisis of Cyprus, Europe and of other countries that can benefit from the new-found reserves can be resolved faster and in a more efficient way if the matter is handled in a good way. Cyprus’ plans of maintaining peace after years of civil war will be boosted up due to this discovery. Employment opportunities will open up for the people of Cyprus and tourism will prevail along with trade with other countries. A period of economic sta- bility will greatly increase the future prospects of the country and will resolve underlying issues. More companies are flocking to the island to explore more of the land and unearth hidden treasures that could fulfil their demands. It has also opened new ways of renewing energy and using natural resources to create energy for the residents of Cyprus and for the companies which are profitable for both. Meetings have been held among Turkey, Israel, Cyprus and Greek Presidents to establish pipe- lines that would transport gas from Israel and Cyprus gas fields to other parts of the world by taking a path through Greece. Along with fulfill- ing Cyprus’ own domestic gas demand of years, these reserves will bring great profit for the people. The world has been facing an energy crisis and this new discovery will help Cyprus gain a better stand internationally.