TIF 2016 reflects trends in Greek economy

After successfully resisting capital controls and a bank holiday in 2015, with 800 participants at TIF during that year, the fair had 1,000 exhibitors taking part in 2016, in a sign that the economy was stabilising, he said.
According to Pozrikidis, the very small number of construction companies and building material providers taking part in the 81st TIF reflects the deep crisis of the construction sector since the start of the seven-year crisis. Conversely, the number of exhibitors reflects a much rosier picture for the food and beverage sector and agricultural sector, while furniture manufacturers, energy and technology appear to be more resistant to the effects of the crisis and more export oriented.
Pozrikidis also referred to what he called the "TIF paradox": whereas TIF had in the past "tracked" GDP growth in the same way as trade fairs throughout the world, in recent years TIF seemed to show greater growth than Greek GDP. He particularly emphasised the trade fair's importance for the local economy, citing a Macedonia University study showing that the city of Thessaloniki would lose some 2.8 pct of its GDP if TIF should cease, while for every 1.00 euro of demand for exhibition product the local economy "rose" by 1.86 euros.
This year's TIF is further notable for the return of Iran and the European Commission, after an absence of several years, with the latter intending to present its humanitarian aid programme in Thessaloniki, while neighbouring Turkey will this year occupy an entire pavilion.
In recognition of 2016 as the Year of Russia in Greece, Russia will be the Guest of Honour, with more than 100 Russian companies participating in the Russian Pavilion. These will include Russian giants such as Gazprom or the Russian Railways, both of which have expressed interest in the privatisations taking place in Greece. As part of the Russian participation, there will be a conference on entrepreneurship and alternative energy sources issues, as well as tourism and industry forums and workshops on transport and communications.
Among domestic participants, only 10 pct are state-sector companies, while the public sector does not account for more than 20 pct of the space occupied by exhibitors, Pozrikidis said. Among those taking part are 46 chambers of commerce and industry throughout the country, bringing several of their member-companies.