The Rhodope Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated in the 1st Panhellenic Conference of Businesses – Industrial Areas

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Rhodope and its President Mr. Nikos Angelidis participated in 1^The Panhellenic Conference of Businesses – Industrial Areas entitled: “Today and tomorrow of business parks”, which took place on April 19 & 20 in Athens.

The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Nikos Angelidis in his scheduled presentation on the challenges and opportunities of business parks, he highlighted a number of critical issues that will affect their smooth operation, some of which are listed below:

1. Waste: The new regulation is causing concern among entrepreneurs because of the excessive power given to ETBA. VI.PE. S.A. on waste limits and management.
2. Water supply: The exclusivity of water supply by ETBA. VI.PE. S.A. affects the pricing and operation of businesses.
3. Transfer – Lease: The high requirements for a license to transfer or lease land are cause for concern.
4. Transit Fees: The extra burden of transit fees is a concern for businesses.
5. Ineffective representation: Lack of a business representation body in the new regulation.

Mentioning the problems first, Mr. Angelidis pointed out the concerns caused by the new regulation in force, such as the excessive power given to the Business Park Organization and Exploitation Agencies.

Suggested Solutions: After highlighting these problems, Mr. Angelidis proposed innovative solutions that will strengthen business innovation in Greece. His proposals include:

A) The change of the regulatory framework.

B) The participation of the coordinating body with members who will represent the businesses (Chamber).

C) The creation of OneStopService – abolition of current ways of licensing and approval by decentralized administration and state bodies.

D) The creation of a management body with a philosophy of supporting and not persecuting the entrepreneur.

E) The support of the state with incentives, especially for the bordering and affected Thrace.

F) The development of measures to reduce energy costs within the BI.PE. and creating infrastructure to eliminate voltage drops (substations).

G) Strategies to reduce non-salary and transport costs (infrastructure).

Concluding his statement, Mr. President said:

“The Rodopi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, listening to the deep concern of its member businesses, as well as their trade union bodies, expresses its concern for the success of the whole project. We in Rodopi experienced, like no one else, the creation and destruction of a VI.PE. and the consequent deindustrialization of the county.”