OT at TIF – Sterea Hellas gov. Spanos: The region of Sterea is Greece in scale – The aim is to attract investments

Regional governor Fanis Spanos spoke about the adaptation of the region of Central Greece-Sterea Hellas to the international situation, with the problems but also the possibilities that open up. In an interview with OT broadcast live from the 86th Thessaloniki International Fair, Mr. Spanos said that Central Greece is a scale model of the country. “Industry, tourism, agricultural production exist in our region and our job is to look ahead while balancing on a tightrope.”

Speaking about the energy crisis, Mr. Spanos invoked his capacity as an engineer, noting that “the mildest form of energy is energy conservation. This has to do with many levels from consumption to how we make our buildings. All these levels make up a puzzle that we have to solve.”

“The impact of the energy crisis on the regions may not be as great as that on the municipalities, but it has obviously created difficulties. The increase in the prices of materials, for example, risks putting out of the budget projects that are now proving to be loss-making”, said Mr. Spanos, further stressing that energy plays a decisive role in the industry. “The industrial zone in Oinofyta, which is the third largest in the country, has come under great pressure,” he said.

Tourism

He then referred to tourism development which is a challenge and an opportunity at the same time. “Already the results of summer 2022 have been particularly encouraging, and we want to take advantage of all months of the year to attract visitors. This effort is particularly helped by initiatives and investments such as the Acropolis Rally, the impact of which on the economy and the visibility of the regions is impressive”, he pointed out.

Mr. Spanos also referred to the film industry looking for locations in Greece for major international productions, as was recently done with a film shot in Chiliadou, Evia, “The Triangle of Sorrow” which won the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival. “The eyes of the planet are on our mountains and seas,” he said.

Regarding Sterea’s presence at the TIF, Mr. Spanos noted that “we are promoting all our characteristics. From our products, to tourist destinations, and now international film productions.”

Attracting investment is a key goal for the region of Sterea as well, noted Mr. Spanos, referring to the industrial park that will give new impetus, but also in the tourism industry, six new five-star hotels will be built in Sterea, which will give new life .