“The primary task of the government is to support with political and concrete initiatives the regeneration of the Greek region”, noted the Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, in a series of contacts he had with the local government, the chamber, productive bodies and business representatives of Florina, in the context of his two-day visit to Western Macedonia.

As stated in the announcement of the Ministry of Development, Mr. Theodorikakos spoke of the need to reconstruct the industrial area in Florina. During the meeting held at the chamber, he announced the immediate co-financing of projects to improve its facilities, stressing that “we are proceeding with this urgent procedure in order for the managing company, ETVA, to proceed with important projects that will upgrade VI.PE. and will solve critical infrastructure problems.” As he explained, the interventions will cover the internal road network, water supply and waste management, with the aim of “the thirteen companies operating today in the industrial area, to have a positive level of productivity, but in addition the BI.PE. to become a pole of attraction for new businesses as well”.

He emphasized that he will closely monitor the course of the project, so that it evolves within the next six months, recalling that also as Minister of the Interior he had practically supported the municipality of Florina with projects worth millions of euros through the “Antonis Tritsis” program: “We are sending a strong message to the residents of this arid region that we are with you. And together we will face the problems that exist, in order to make this beautiful place a pole of attraction for investments, but also for new residents from all over Greece”.

Mr. Theodorikakos explained that “the government’s plan is linked to the regeneration of the Greek region and the treatment of the demographic problem”, underlining that the new production model implemented by the Ministry of Development, which is based on the strengthening of production and industry, is included in this context.

Referring to the new Development Law, he pointed out that the Ministry of Development has readjusted the status of financing from the development regimes, “increasing the maximum possible subsidies for those who invest in areas such as Florina”. He added: “We have created a special development regime, which includes the prefectures of Macedonia, which will be repeated every year, so that we consistently support the border regions of our homeland. We want Greek chicks born in Florina, to live in Florina. To create, work and build their lives in their place”.

The Minister of Development then took a tour of the Research Genetic Cancer Center (RGCC), which operates in the Florina Industrial Area. It is a specialized laboratory, leading the research and development of products and services for personalized cancer treatment, having laboratories in Greece, Germany, Switzerland and India, equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed with highly specialized scientists.

At the same time, he visited industrial units operating in Amyntaio, underlining the importance of strengthening local production, extroversion and the creation of new jobs. Among them is the Municipal Enterprise “Sour Water of Florina”, which has been included in the Development Law and is being subsidized for the establishment of a new carbonated water bottling plant.

As part of his visit, Mr. Theodorikakos had meetings with the mayor of Florina, Vassilis Giannakis, the mayor of Amyntaios, Yiannis Liasis, and the deputy governor of Florina, Athanassios Taska, with whom he discussed the development prospects of the region and the ongoing projects. He also met with the Metropolitan of Florina, Prespa and Eordaea Mr. Irineos and visited the DEEP of Florina New Democracy, where he talked with executives and members of the organization about issues related to the development of the local economy and the daily life of the citizens.