The international trade fair that opened in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, will run through the 13th, with Japan participating for the first time as guest of honor. The Japan Pavilion features craftsmanship as its theme, with more than 20 companies exhibiting.
The Thessaloniki International Fair, being held in northern Greece, was founded in 1926 and is marking its 90th edition this year. It is also regarded as an important venue where the prime minister sets out policy priorities for the coming year. Japan is participating for the first time as guest of honor and has established a Japan Pavilion themed around craftsmanship.
Greece, which strengthened its economic ties with China after the debt crisis, has indicated that it intends to avoid dependence on a single country as it pursues an economic recovery. Japan's participation is viewed in connection with this strategy.
More than 20 companies are exhibiting at the Japan Pavilion. At the opening ceremony, where the Japanese side expressed its willingness to welcome investment, Prime Minister Mitsotakis said he intended to welcome investment from Japan and the Far East.