Investments transforming Northern Greece at the 2nd Thessaloniki Investment Forum by CNN Greece
Investments transforming the image of Thessaloniki and Northern Greece were the main point of reference at the Thessaloniki Investment Forum, organised for the second consecutive year by CNN Greece in Thessaloniki.
Keynote speakers included Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, Minister of Transport, Christos Dimas, and Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou. The event mapped out the investment future of Northern Greece and was co-organised along with the Region of Central Macedonia, under the auspices of the Ministry of Development and the Deputy Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace and sponsored by the Thessaloniki Tourism Organisation.
Participants referred to Northern Greece’s opportunities as a business and investment destination, as well as to the major projects reshaping the region’s image. Athena Aidona, Governor of Central Macedonia, spoke about the next phase for Northern Greece’s economy, emphasising the crucial role of investments. Similarly, Deputy Minister of Macedonia–Thrace Kostas Gioulecas stated that “if we succeed in the development challenge in Northern Greece, the benefits will be national.” Deputy Minister of Tourism Anna Karamanli noted that Thessaloniki is steadily enhancing its tourism footprint, while major city infrastructure projects, such as the flyover, will improve mobility and overall accessibility.
Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Giorgos Kotsiras, discussed how tax administration in Thessaloniki operates efficiently, assisting citizens in their interactions with public administration. “Residents and visitors have embraced the metro,” commented Christos Dimas, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, noting that car traffic in the city centre has decreased by 15%. Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou spoke about the vertical energy corridor starting from Thessaloniki, describing it as “a corridor of development and prosperity for a region of seven countries and 100 million people.”
Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos addressed broader challenges for the country’s economy and growth, while Giannis Papageorgiou, Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Office in Thessaloniki, outlined a comprehensive plan covering various infrastructure and transport projects.
The forum also covered major city infrastructure initiatives, such as the Metro, the Flyover, and the 6th Pier at the Port, the development of the tourism sector, and investments such as those in the mines of Thrace. Attention was also drawn to the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) and the ThessInTech as drivers of innovation, as well as energy developments in Northern Greece and the creation of a “digital Egnatia” by the IT sector.
The event took place on Tuesday, November 25, at the Makedonia Palace Hotel and was broadcasted live via streaming, allowing the public to view it in real time.
Read the full recap article on CNN.gr here:
