Kikilias from Chalkida: We are moving the commercial port, upgrading the coastal front and strengthening the local economy

The transfer of the commercial port of Chalkida and the creation of a high quality marina in the region, was set as a central development objective for Evia, by the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, during his visit to Chalkida.

Mr. Kikilias held a meeting at the Prefectural Ports Organization of Evia (OLNE) with the President of the Organization, N. Kritsiilis, the Managing Director, Sp. Palaiologos and the members of the Board of Directors of OLNE, in the presence of Simeon Kedikoglou, Athanasios Zembilis and Constantina Karampatsolis, members of the Parliament of Evia of the Southwest, George Kelaiditis, the deputy mayor of Evia, Elena Vaka, as well as members of the Coast Guard.

The minister referred to a project that “will change the region for the next 50 years”, stressing that the transfer of the port with the simultaneous upgrading of the coastal front of Chalkida will create new jobs, boost tourism and give a strong growth impetus to the local economy.

“Beautiful Evia and unique Chalkida deserve and deserve the transfer of the commercial port and, at the same time, the creation of a very high quality marina in the area,” he said, noting that the goal is “for our children to stay here in our place, to have well-paid jobs and to live better than we do.”

He stressed that this is a “heavy, national project” and called on all stakeholders to move quickly to move forward with the required approvals and master plan, while clarifying that there is no funding issue and the ministry will support the implementation of the project at every stage.

Simeon Kedikoglou referred to a vision that now has a strong chance of being implemented, noting that this is the first time that a Shipping Minister has visited the Ports Authority.

For his part, Athanasios Zembilis stressed that the transfer of the port is a long-standing demand of the local community and will contribute to the development of the entire coastal front of Chalkida, giving a new tourist and development identity to the city.

Konstantina Karampatsoli noted that this is a project of key importance, not only for Chalkida but for the whole of Evia, stressing that it is now “entering the implementation phase”.

After the conclusion of the meeting at OLNE, Mr. Kikilias went to the Central Port Authority of Chalkida where he discussed with the port authority officials and was briefed by the port director, Commodore Olga Skleri, on port authority issues.