Thessaloniki is cementing its place on the global logistics map, as the International Organization for Migration’s new Supply Chain Center will be established in Kalochori, opening up fresh opportunities for the Greek economy and businesses in the sector. The announcement was made by Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, who described Thessaloniki’s selection as a major national achievement, emphasizing that the project could pave the way for Greek businesses to participate in international procurement contracts worth up to $1.7 billion annually.
Read also: Pierrakakis on private debt interventions: The success of economic policy is measured by citizens who regain control of their lives
IOM’s new logistics center in Kalochori, with procurement contracts reaching $1.7 billion annually
As announced by Kyriakos Pierrakakis, the IOM’s new logistics center will be temporarily housed in modern facilities in Kalochori, Thessaloniki, which are already being fitted out to meet the organization’s needs. At the same time, the National Development Fund has been instructed to advance the procedures for constructing a permanent Logistics Center, a project with a total budget of €5 million. The greatest economic interest, according to the minister, lies in the scope of procurement managed by the International Organization for Migration. The IOM handles humanitarian aid procurement exceeding $1 billion annually, and during periods of heightened need, the total value can reach as high as $1.7 billion. The operation of the new center is expected to generate significant opportunities for Greek businesses, logistics companies, suppliers, as well as universities and research institutions, boosting their participation in international humanitarian supply chains.
Greece aims for a larger share of international procurement
The minister acknowledged that Greece currently holds a relatively modest position in IOM procurement. However, he expressed confidence that the establishment of the international center in Thessaloniki can act as a catalyst for growth, increasing the participation of the Greek business community in major international procurement programs. As he noted, the organization’s physical presence in Greece creates the conditions for closer cooperation with the domestic market and greater penetration of Greek companies into international tenders.
Why Thessaloniki was chosen
According to Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Thessaloniki’s selection was no coincidence — it was the result of a systematic bid by the Greek side. The city’s geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, the Balkans, and the Eastern Mediterranean, combined with its port, transport infrastructure, access to the single European market, and a highly skilled workforce, were the key advantages that led to its selection. Although the project is still in its development phase, the center has already built up significant activity. According to figures presented, in its first months of operation it has supported 21 international missions, managed more than 20,000 cubic meters of humanitarian supplies, and contributed to addressing humanitarian crises in countries including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Mozambique, and Sudan.
