Cyprus’s first-ever shipping minister is setting her sights high.

Natasa PilidesPhotographer: Jo Michaelides/Shipping Ministry

The country’s location and tax system have made it a shipping magnet -- drawing maritime companies from Norway, Greece, Dubai and South Korea -- and prompting the creation of a ministry for the industry. Natasa Pilides, who heads it as the newly appointed shipping deputy minister to the president, says she has big plans.

“While a small country, we are already a major player in international maritime affairs, but we want to be even bigger and better,” the 37-year-old, who was appointed to the role in February, said in an interview in Nicosia.

The east Mediterranean island,