In the presence of the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the inauguration of the pavilion of the Association of Industries of Greece at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair took place on Sunday, September 6.
As the relevant announcement notes, this year’s presence of SBE at the TIF places social dialogue and the need to shape a common strategy for strengthening the country’s productive base at the forefront. As a National Social Partner and representative of Greek industry, SBE seeks to contribute to a substantive dialogue on the prerequisites for a more productive, competitive, resilient, and regionally balanced economy.
In inaugurating the SBE pavilion, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas referred to the importance of strengthening European and Greek industry, as well as the need to create the appropriate conditions for more investments, modern infrastructure, and stronger regional development.
Mr. Tzitzikostas specifically stated:
“The members of SBE, the only National Social Partner based in Thessaloniki, should know that Northern Greece and the Greek region are at the center of our planning in the European Commission, in view of the new European budget for infrastructure in transport and mobility.
Infrastructure that strengthens industry, exports, the import of raw materials, and tourism. Infrastructure that connects people, trade, and products and creates new opportunities for the Greek economy.
With the new European policies for Shipping and Shipyards, for Ports and for Aviation, as well as with the interconnection of all this infrastructure, we want Greece to capitalize on its geographical position and become the southern gateway of Europe.
Because without a strong industry there are no strong exports. And without modern, safe, and resilient infrastructure there can be no competitive industry.”
The President of SBE, Ms. Loukia Saranti, particularly highlighted the economic and social footprint of industry, underlining its contribution to job creation, support for local economies, and the retention of population in the Greek region.
As she stated:
“Industry has a strong economic, but also a deep social footprint. It creates stable jobs, supports entire local economies, and retains the population in the region. SBE represents businesses from all over Greece, with a strong presence outside Attica, and knows firsthand how decisive industry is for the cohesion and development of the country. That is why supporting it is not only an economic choice; it is a choice with developmental, regional, and social content.”
Ms. Saranti also referred to the importance of modern infrastructure and networks for the competitiveness of production, noting that the presence of European Commissioner Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas at the inauguration takes on particular significance due to his responsibilities in the fields of transport and European interconnections.
The inauguration was honored by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security, Ms. Anna Efthymiou, the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Christodoulos Topsidis, the Parliamentary Representative of New Democracy, Mr. Dimitris Kairidis, the President of ESEE, Mr. Stavros Kafounis, as well as members of the Administrative Committee and the Board of Directors of SBE and representatives of the political, institutional, and business community.
Throughout the duration of the 90th TIF, the SBE pavilion operates as an open and interactive space for information and participation. Through thematic videos on the challenges and priorities of Greek industry and interactive games, visitors have the opportunity to get to know industry better and express their own opinion on the priorities and the productive future of the country.
With the central message “Join the dialogue too”, SBE invites businesses, employees, institutions, and citizens to contribute to the discussion for a Greece with more production, more value, and more prosperity.
Pavilion opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 16:00–22:00
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00–22:00