The major issues of concern to entrepreneurship and the required interventions that will strengthen local development are included in the Memorandum of Positions and Proposals submitted to the Prime Minister, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, by the President of the Heraklion Chamber, Mr. Vangelis Karkanakis, in view of the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair.
The aim of the Heraklion Chamber is to highlight the main development priorities of the country, as well as to strengthen small and medium-sized entrepreneurship, which is the backbone of the economy.
The Memorandum highlights three key issues:
1. Infrastructure of strategic importance for Crete
The Chamber underlines the need for immediate completion of major infrastructure projects, such as the Northern Road Axis of Crete (VOAK) and the Kastelli International Airport. At the same time, it calls for the design and implementation of the Southern Road Axis (NOAK), the modernization of the Port of Heraklion in order to strengthen the commercial and tourist potential of the island, as well as the utilization of the former “N. Kazantzakis” airport with integrated and sustainable urban planning.
2. Support for small and medium-sized enterprises
Particular importance is given to the need to improve the tax and insurance framework, to reduce excessive bank charges and to establish a “Special Unseizable Account” for businesses. This measure is considered crucial for maintaining liquidity and continuing the operation of thousands of businesses affected by foreclosures. At the same time, the immediate disbursement and reform of the Transport Equivalent is proposed, in order to support businesses in Crete against the increased cost of transportation.
The Chamber also calls for targeted measures to support the construction and construction activity, which is in decline, as well as new policies for affordable housing and green building renovation. At the same time, the need to strengthen local products and the tourism brand of Crete is highlighted, with an emphasis on diving tourism, the promotion of Cretan food and the international recognition of Minoan Culture.
3. Support for the development initiatives undertaken by the Heraklion Chamber
Furthermore, the Heraklion Chamber requests the government’s support for a series of strategic interventions that it is implementing with the aim of strengthening the local economy and the balanced development of Crete.
Among these, the creation of a New Craft Park in Kastelli stands out, and the development of Diving Parks in Hersonissos and Malevizi, investments that enhance quality tourism and the protection of the marine environment. Finally, the Chamber defends the retention of a public character and further development of the International Exhibition Center of Crete, a key institution for the promotion of local products and the business extroversion of the island.
With its memorandum, the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce calls on the Government to actively support the island’s productive forces and to include the demands of the Cretan business community in national development planning.
