Thessaloniki was chosen by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of its mission to provide humanitarian aid to populations tested in third countries of origin, as the headquarters of the new Supply Chain Management Center.

The Center will be the operational hub of IOM’s global supply activities, enhancing its overall ability to respond to humanitarian crises early and effectively. It will ensure the uninterrupted flow of supplies and quickly withdraw help to countries in need, in the context of cooperation with other international organizations, such as the United Nations.

To this end, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today between the Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakou Pierrakakis and Sungah Lee, Deputy Director General of ADO for the Command and Reform. The MOU is governing the establishment of the Center, which will provide supply, logistics and training services, supporting the IMU world businesses. The agreement sets out the terms of use of the space granted by the government, as well as the status of international organization officials.

Immediately after the signing of the Memorandum, the Minister said: “Today’s agreement on the creation of the International Supply Chain Management Center in Thessaloniki is a method of methodical work. The center will strengthen Thessaloniki’s position as an international logistics hub and will have direct and indirect benefits for the local and national economy. It will create new jobs and enhance the demand from the Greek market for supplies and humanitarian material. The IOM will manage annually supplies of up to $ 1.7 billion. This creates enormous benefits of beneficial participation for the local market in Thessaloniki, with significant opportunities for all Greek companies. Greece’s choice by DOM reflects the country’s political and economic stability, its quality infrastructure and its geostrategic position. With this agreement, Greece upgrades its international presence and position as a Logistics Center. I would like to warmly thank the IOM executives and the services of the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs for their substantial and coordinated contribution. With the international center of Thessaloniki, the IMU will contribute better to the countries.

“This new center reflects the IMOM’s ambition to redefine how the humanitarian supply chain is implemented,” Sungah Lee said during her visit to Athens. “We create a place where know -how, innovation and cooperation are met to enhance the way we respond to people’s needs. Together we can improve the way assistance reaches those who need it, safeguard their rights and dignity and enhance innovation in crisis. ‘ added.

According to the ministry, the installation and operation of the IOM International Supply Chain Management Center in Thessaloniki is expected to bring multiple and significant benefits for our country, both economically and strategically:

1. Increase of humanitarian material from the Greek market

The center of Thessaloniki will play a central role in the global coordination of humanitarian aid missions of the IMO IMU with up to $ 1.7 billion of humanitarian material annually, part of which is projected to move through Thessaloniki.

2. Creating jobs and reinforcement of local economy

The Center, in full growth, will be staffed with about 100 people, much of which will come from the local labor market. Revenue for the local economy will result from: permanent installation of IMU families, unit operation, supplies and services.

3. Prospects of upgrading Greece as UN Supply Center

Today, Greece ranks 99th in the supplies of IOM ($ 33.98 million), against Denmark’s 2nd place ($ 1,048 billion) and the 3rd of the UAE (927.22 million), where corresponding supply chain centers operate. The establishment of the Center creates opportunities for the country’s significant upgrading with appropriate support and coordination policies. The presence of the IOM will also be an attraction for other international organizations and businesses.

4. Cooperation with the research and academic community

The IOM intends to work with Greek research and academic institutions to promote innovative sustainability solutions. Sustainability center is also based on the establishment of Greece as a Center for Humanitarian and Technological Innovation.

5. Thessaloniki as an International Logistics Center

Thessaloniki, with a strategic location, has unique comparative advantages: modern transport infrastructure, access to the single European market and the Schengen zone, and geostrategic proximity to crisis areas (Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa). It is an international port, offers access to the Balkan hinterland and is located near Geneva, the seat of the IOM and the UN. Greece is an EU country with growth dynamic, reliability, strategic position and a stable political environment. Early resolution of technical and institutional issues by the Greek Government has contributed to the IMOM decision to choose our country as the seat of the new center.