The Takis Theodoricakos in Larisa to strengthen industry and promote the new productive model in Thessaly.
Larissa businesses are today on the side of Minister of Development, Takis Theodoricakos, as part of his planned visit to the region. The main purpose of his presence is to ascertain the results of the state support through the Development Law, enhancing the viability and extroversion of local production units.
The government’s strategy, according to a statement, focuses on the implementation of a new production model for the entire Thessaly. This effort focuses on two critical pillars:
- The substantial shielding and upgrading of industry.
- Promoting and integrating innovation into production processes.
According to the statement, Theodoricakos first visited the Exalco aluminium plant, toured the premises and interacted with the owners and employees. The company exports its products to 35 countries – including African countries – and provides 610 jobs.
Exalco has been included in the “Large Investments” scheme of the Development Law, the total amount of the investment is 15.2 million euros and the Ministry of Development is supporting it with 6 million euros for the modernization of its mechanical equipment. “A model enterprise for our country, promoting productivity, the competitiveness of the economy, giving good jobs to hundreds of people in Larissa,” the Development Minister noted.
The second stop on his tour was the premises of Lariplast, a company active in the packaging sector, offering plastic and paper products for food and beverages. The company exports to 25 countries, has an annual turnover of €30 million and provides 200 jobs to people from the region.
“We support industry with all our strengths, as 34 companies of Larissa have been included in the development law in the manufacturing sector, which receive a total of 55 million euros, having a budget for their investments of 115 million euros,” said Mr. Theodorikakos. “Lariplast has very great potential, it continues its export activity and its productivity. This is a guarantee for new successes in the future,” he noted.
Mr. Theodorikakos also visited the University of Thessaly, on the occasion of the AGRILAB project and the inauguration of the new Agritech Experience Center. The Ministry of Development funds with 4 million euros the model Experiential Laboratory,which has already come into contact with 150 farmers producers, transferring innovative technological solutions to their production.
Through initiatives such as AGRILAB, research, innovation and production meet in practice, in real conditions, with the participation of farmers, livestock farmers, scientists and startups. “We want to have a modern primary sector in Thessaly, which will supply products to all of Greece and export abroad. The primary sector to become a key pillar of a competitive economy, supplying both industry and manufacturing,” the minister stressed in his address.
“Larisa can become a pole of innovation, prosperity and perspective for young people, so that they can stay here, raise their families, work and do business. In all of this, include the great agricultural Experiential Workshop, with hundreds of farmers getting services, better crops and better economic results. We are sending a message: Greece can produce everything we need, export more and have a strong, competitive and resilient economy. At the centre of this effort is Larissa and all of Thessaly, concluded Mr. Theodoricakos, who was accompanied by ND MP Christos Kapetanos.
In the afternoon, the Minister of Development will be the keynote speaker in the session “Sustainable Development – Infrastructure”, in the framework of the 4th European Development Forum of Thessaly, organized by the newspaper “Eleftheria” and the Region of Thessaly, on the topic “Planning the future of Thessaly – Building Greece of Europe”.
