In the presence of prominent representatives from the government, local authorities, as well as leading figures from the business and diplomatic sectors, the official inauguration of the LOGISTICS EXPO – TRUCK & VAN EXPO Thessaloniki 2026 took place on Friday, October 16, at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center. The event, which promises to serve as a benchmark for transport, supply chain, and commercial vehicles in S.E. Europe, drew all eyes during its grand opening.
Northern Greece as a Strategic Hub: Statements by the Speakers
During the inauguration, the official guests delivered greeting addresses highlighting the importance of the exhibition for the country’s economy and international outlook:
Deputy Minister of Interior (Sector of Macedonia & Thrace), Konstantinos Gioulekas, noted: “Northern Greece and Thessaloniki are steadily evolving into a central transit hub for the Balkans and S.E. Europe. Strengthening logistics is our strategic priority for the economic development of the region.”
Deputy Mayor of Finance of Thessaloniki, Efthimios Chatzitheoklitos, emphasized the city’s pivotal role: “Thessaloniki welcomes an exhibition of exceptional importance for the city’s extroversion. As a Municipality, we support every initiative that strengthens the local economy, infrastructure, and sustainable urban mobility.”
Vice Regional Governor for Transport & Communications of the Region of Central Macedonia, Theodoros Mitrakas, pointed out: “The Region of Central Macedonia continuously invests in modernizing transport networks. We actively support businesses in the sector for faster, safer, and greener transport.”
Chairman of the Board & CEO of FORUM SA, the organizing company of the exhibition, Athanasios Panagoulias, expressed his satisfaction with the warm response: “The great response and dynamic participation in LOGISTICS EXPO – TRUCK & VAN EXPO confirm the industry’s need for a strong meeting point for innovation and business deals.”
President of the Crafts Chamber of Thessaloniki, Makarios Papadopoulos, stated: “Small and medium-sized enterprises and the craft sector rely directly on the efficiency of logistics. Major exhibitions like this offer valuable modernization solutions.”
President of the Hellenic Logistics Association of Northern Greece, Dimitris Tsitsamis, focused on the sector’s prospects: “The development of the supply chain in Northern Greece is rapid. Cooperation among all stakeholders is the key to making the region an international benchmark in logistics.”
Executive Vice President of SEVE (Greek Exporters Association), Panagiotis Chasapis, underlined the connection with trade: “Greek exports rely on competitive and reliable transport. Strengthening the logistics sector directly boosts the extroversion of Greek products.”
President of the Central Market of Thessaloniki SA, Kyriakos Pozrikidis, stated: “Goods movement and the food supply chain require speed, quality, and modern infrastructure, areas on which this exhibition successfully focuses.”
Member of the Central Political Committee of PASOK – Movement for Change, Nikolaos Sdoungos, mentioned: “A comprehensive strategic plan for infrastructure and transport in the country is required in order to fully exploit the geostrategic advantage of Macedonia.”
Strong Presence from Institutional and Business Sectors
The event was attended by the entire leadership of the Federation of Truck Drivers of Greece (OFAE), including Dimitrios Fokaidis (President), Symeon Kalomiris (Vice President), Apostolos Kenanidis (General Secretary), and Iro Doumani (General Director).
The event was also honored by representatives of the Hellenic Institute of Logistics Management (HILM) with Kostas Theofanidis, board members of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EVETh) (Ioannis Verginis and Athanasios Tsitampanis), Konstantinos Gogos from the Greco-Baltic Chamber, as well as international delegations from Bulgaria (Momchil Antov – NSBS, Rufi Aysehel – Free Zone Svilengrad, and representatives of the Bulgarian-Hellenic Chamber).
The inauguration ceremony was moderated by Mary Efthimiatou, Editor-in-Chief of Supply Chain & Logistics magazine.
