The improvement of the port infrastructure of Aetoloakarnania, the development prospects of the region, as well as the connection of the occupations of the sea with the economic development and strengthening of local communities, was mentioned by the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, during his visit to Napaktos, Messolonghi and Astakos today.
First, the Basil Kikilias He visited Nafpaktos, where he held a meeting with the mayor, Vasilis Giza, the president of the Port Fund, Spyridon Chelio, as well as representatives of local bodies, on the main issue of the progress of port projects and the prospects for the development of Nafpaktos.
As the Minister of Shipping said, "Procedures are being initiated and we are trying to be swift, so that what has been put in place goes ahead, that is, studies and projects go ahead.".
He also said that "the prospects were also discussed for an important port project in Nafpaktos", adding that "I am glad to see that the tourist product of a very important area of enormous historical value, which attracts more and more people,".
At the same time, Vassilis Kikilias referred to the importance of the sea economy for the development of the country, saying among other things: "We would like to see, visionarily, all the occupations of the sea, that is, the occupations of shipping, which give economic, professional and social satisfaction to young children and re-debate to the Greek family. We would like to see the commercial world, which is directly interwoven with our ports and coastal areas, repowering. We would like to see energy and shipyards, yachting and marinas, the tourist product linked to sea occupations and shipping. All this can be a huge developmental arm for the next 25 years.".
Afterwards, the Minister of Shipping visited Mesolonghi, where he met with Deputy Regional Commissioner Aetoloakarnania, Thanasis Mavrommatis, the mayor, Spyros Diamantopoulos, and the president of the Port Fund, Nectaria Aletra. During the meeting we discussed how to implement interventions in the area's port infrastructure, with a view to its further development.
As he said, "we will support the effort that is being made, we will go to see, not Maximalistic and with works pharaonic, but with projects that fit the area and that can give added value and actually help the Messolongites and the Messolongites," adding: "I believe in the area, it is a beautiful area that has the ability to develop more. We will, however, develop it with respect to local urban data, its special beauty, culture and history, so that we do things that suit its character and I am sure that Greeks, visitors to our country and the whole world will embrace them.".
Afterwards, Vassilis Kikilias visited the Maritime Industrial Area in Platygiali, Astakos, accompanied by the Deputy Regional Manager, Thanasis Mavrommatis, Mayor of Xiromerou, Giannis Triantafyllakis and the President of the Municipal Port Fund, Alexis Giotis.
Referring to NAVIPE, the Minister of Shipping stressed that "this is an investment with very high prospects, so we are all working together, local society, bodies, ministries, the best possible way in which this investment can be developed" and supplemented: "We would like to involve local society, people living in the area, along with any business plans. And yet, to be such an investment that has added value, to bring well paid jobs and growth to the region, to respect the area, which is very beautiful and has a lot of room for development in both the tourist track and the piece of yachting, the high level of tourism and the services that accompany them.".