PASOK leader at Fair: Thessaloniki must become economic hub of the Balkans

PASOK-Movement for Change (KINAL) leader Nikos Androulakis paid a visit of nearly 1.5 hours to exhibitors' kiosks of the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) on Saturday, accompanied by party deputies and party officials.

Included in his visit were the 'Academia' Kiosk 17 of all universities, and Kiosk 16 of all chambers in Greece and the exhibition celebrating TIF's centennial. He also paid a visit to separate university kiosks, business association kiosks, as well as those of the National Defense ministry, nonprofit organizations, labor unions, the Hellenic Police, and sports teams.

Earlier, in statements after meeting with Fair organizer's TIF-Helexpo administration, the PASOK-KINAL leader noted, "The Balkans are on a growth trajectory and Thessaloniki must serve its historic role, to become the economic center of the Balkans."

"In order for this to happen, it needs key projects like the extension of the city's metro in both directions, or the landscaping of TIF as a large metropolitan park with a lot of green that will improve the lives of permanent city residents. And, obviously, projects such as the coastal front. The unification of the coastal front may change and improve the daily lives of thousands of people," he said." For several years, he said, Thessaloniki "did not have the support it should have had, and we are all responsible for this. Now is the time to do these key works, because of the capabilities and prospects. He must invest in research and the new technologies," he added.