For nine consequent years the International Fair of Thessaloniki (plc) is present in Crete through the organization of the Pan-Hellenic General Fair “Crete 2009” with respect to the needs of the local enterprising community. From the 1st until the 4th October in the installations of the International Fair Centre of Crete in Gournes, Heakleion, enterprises from all over the country will participate, elevating the fair to one of the biggest regional organizations in Greece. All these years, “Crete” constitutes a core point of the regional policy of the International Fair of Thessaloniki (plc) and in this financially hard conjunction of circumstances new, special features are required, in an attempt to respond efficiently to the companies’ needs. In this framework, the International Fair of Thessaloniki (plc) provides branch focus on this year’s organization, adding thematic units and energy as top priority. The present time creates new demands for the projection of the enterprises, especially those that are not situated in the center. It is now more demanding to invest in extroversion and in co operations so as to create developmental motives and new opportunities. The International Fair of Thessaloniki (plc) is ready to offer know-how and experience towards this direction, having faith in the region and its prospects.
Even though Crete constitutes a common ground now for us, the margin of development of our actions in the fair are not exhausted, since regional potentiality can be further exploited through the strengthening of the ties between the International Fair of Thessaloniki (plc) and local authorities. The cooperation of our company with the Chamber of Commerce in Herakleion is a striking example on what can be achieved through common action and common enterprising drives. The memorandum of cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce in Herakleion was one of the first that the International Fair of Thessaloniki (plc) signed in a frame to intensify regional actions along with contacts with the local communities. The International Fair of Thessaloniki (plc) closely cooperates with other local authorities in the prefecture of Herakleion, tracing new more efficient roads in order to achieve two basic aims: the promotion of the local production and the projection of local enterprising.
The International Fair of Thessaloniki (plc) specially emphasizes on its regional policy, enriching it through new co operations with the local Chambers laying the foundations for extrovert moves and the projection of the companies abroad. These attempts were evident in the quantity and quality sizes of last year’s organization. The 8th International General Fair “Crete 2008” attracted 93 exhibitors from Herakleion, Rethymnon, Ierapetra, Patras, Athens and Piraeus, Larisa, Katerini, Kavala and Thessaloniki, proving its Pan-Hellenic character. The fair was developed in an operational space of 4.500 square meters, occupying the whole of the provided space. In fact, the number of the trade visitors was increased to 35% reaching a total of 2.177. On the whole, the Fair “Crete 2008” hosted 8.198 visitors – individuals or trade visitors – compared to the 7.944 visitors of the 2007 organization. In the frame of the parallel activities of the Fair “Crete 2008”, more than 120 representatives of the agriculture and tourist community of the area attended the meeting that the International Fair of Thessaloniki (plc) organized in cooperation with the Prefecture of Herakleion, on the topic: “Agricultural Development – Promotion of the local products – Alternative Forms of Tourism”. During the meeting, important issues regarding two strategically-important sections that had to do with the economy of Crete were put forward. Alongside, valuable suggestions were introduced for further development.
The International Fair of Thessaloniki (plc) will continue its efforts in the region of Crete, investing in not only its rich productive potentiality, but also in the ardent desire of the area for new actions and new initiatives. This year’s organization of “Crete 2009” wishes to be improved in all levels, responding its significant role to the local community. Therefore, it looks forward to a bigger participation regarding not only the trade visitors but also the individual visitors of the area, as well.
Source of publication 7th issue In-Onrt