New thematic section titled “Economy” at this year’s event

A first overview of Japan’s multifaceted participation as the Honored Country at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) was presented at today’s press conference by TIF-HELEXPO, during which the names of the companies and government bodies involved were announced for the first time. The overall framework of the 90th TIF was also outlined, designed so that this year’s event will function as a multidimensional hub for the economy, innovation, and business networking. Alongside the established thematic tributes, a new section titled “Economy” was introduced, focusing on economic governance, tax compliance, and transparency.

In particular, Japan’s participation in the 90th TIF includes the following leading companies: Astellas Pharmaceuticals, Daiichi Sankyo, Daikin, Fujifilm Hellas, HIS Dream Travel Business Group, JT International, K&N Efthimiadis, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Mitsubishi Electric Europe, Moro Technology Corporation, Nic. J. Theocarakis (Nissan, Suzuki Marine), Petros Petropoulos (Kubota, Daihatsu, Isuzu), Saracakis Group of Companies (Honda), Syngelidis Group–Autoone (Mazda), Sysmex, Takeda, Toyota Hellas, Weathernews.

From the government sector, participants will include the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the “Greece-Japan Society” in Tokyo (sponsored by Mitsui Marine Insurance Company), and the Embassy of Japan in Greece, supported by the exclusive platinum sponsor M/MARITIME, which is also the platinum sponsor of the Japan Pavilion.

Beyond the business and institutional dimension of Japan’s participation, special emphasis was placed on its cultural footprint through a series of planned activities.

Today’s press conference

“The Japanese participation, with the full weight of the country’s economy and culture, is a great honor for TIF-HELEXPO. Japan is a country with which Greece maintains excellent relations based on mutual respect, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation, and we firmly believe it will enhance the significance and impact of the Honored Country institution,” noted the President of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr. Christos Tsentemeidis. He emphasized that the Honored Country institution is inherently linked to the technology, progress, and culture that each selected country brings to the Thessaloniki International Fair. “In this case, we are dealing with a fortunate coincidence, as these three elements are embedded in Japan’s DNA – a country that is innovative while maintaining deep respect for tradition and culture,” he said, also announcing new promotional actions aimed at maximizing the outreach of this year’s Honored Country and increasing visitor attendance. “We look forward to one of the most successful TIFs in recent years, to which Japan’s participation will undoubtedly contribute significantly.”

“Japan’s participation as the Honored Country at this year’s TIF is not merely an honorary distinction. It is a meaningful opportunity to showcase modern developments in Japanese technology, business culture, and civilization, while also building new bridges of cooperation with Greece,” stated the Consul General of Japan in Thessaloniki, Mr. Haris Alexopoulos. He expressed confidence that this year’s TIF will serve as a milestone for Greek-Japanese relations. “A new chapter of cooperation lies ahead, based on trust, creativity, and our shared vision for sustainable development,” he said, noting that relations between Greece and Japan have deep roots and continue to strengthen. He added that approximately 80,000 Japanese tourists visit Greece annually—a number expected to grow further in the coming years—and highlighted that Japanese companies are already active in Greece, particularly in shipping, energy, and technology.

“For my part, I would like us all to work together from today to make this anniversary exhibition a great success,” said the Deputy Head of the Japanese Embassy in Greece, Mr. Takaaki Nemoto. He expressed his belief that Japan’s participation in the 90th TIF will offer an opportunity to present Japan to the Greek public, allowing them to experience the spirit of Takumi—the essence of Japanese craftsmanship—and discover various aspects of the country beyond the economic dimension, through planned cultural and tourism-related events. “Many Japanese people will get to know Greece and Thessaloniki through TIF, which will lead to increased tourism and create new opportunities for investment and trade,” he noted. He also stressed that participation in the 90th TIF will provide Japanese companies with the opportunity to explore not only the Greek market but also the broader region, where Greece holds a significant position.

Japan’s participation as the Honored Country at the 90th TIF constitutes a fully measurable strategic tool for extroversion, according to the CEO of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr. Andreas Mavrommatis. To this end, a structured program of B2B meetings between Japanese companies and this year’s exhibitors has already been designed and will be implemented. He also pointed out that Japan’s presence will add cultural value to the exhibition, as its business participation will be complemented by special events showcasing Japanese pop culture, offering a unique and interactive experience for visitors.

Referring to the 90th TIF, he emphasized that, with the aim of functioning as a modern hub for dialogue and business outreach—connecting institutions, investors, and businesses in a dynamic environment, TIF-HELEXPO has designed a targeted framework structured around nine core thematic sections. This year, a new specialized section dedicated to “Economy” will be added in Pavilion 13, in close proximity to the Honored Country. Its goal will be to attract more private enterprises, focusing on economic governance, tax compliance, and transparency. “We are moving forward methodically to present an event aligned with the real needs of the market and, above all, productive for the outward-looking profile of the economy,” he stressed.

Finally, the coordinator of Japan’s participation as the Honored Country at the 90th TIF and economic advisor to the Japanese Embassy, Ms. Moemi Nakamura, noted that several IT companies based in Athens already operate as hubs in the Southeastern European market. She expressed her belief that this will encourage more technology companies to explore opportunities for cooperation with Greece and beyond its borders.