Greece ranks 19th in the World Bank's logistics efficiency ranking, with the sector contributing 11.5% to GDP with a value of €23.8 billion and being the most important after tourism, while the development of rail transport and the new map of warehousing facilities are expected to further raise the bar of expectations.

Vassilios Zeibekis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Logistics Company (EEL), brought up this issue among others during his presentation at the Southeast Europe Connectivity Forum II conference, which is taking place today and tomorrow at the Makedonia Palace Hotel. In the discussion moderated by Fotis Fotinos, journalist, metaforespress.gr, the importance of multimodal transport and the benefits it can bring to the economy were put on the agenda. 

It is important to note that rail only accounts for 0.3% of freight transport, while roads account for 67% and the sea for 33%.

Stefanos Agiopoulos, CEO of DB Schenker, spoke about the new conditions that have arisen due to the wars and the reversals in connectivity, stressing that the transport sector has responded substantially. According to him, one means cannot be a solution for the supply chain, which is why connectivity is essential. 

"Thessaloniki, due to its geopolitical position, can play an important role. Thessaloniki is the first gateway entry of the country—because of the railway," said Stelios Archontakis, CEO of VTG Rail Logistics Hellas. Iro Doumani, Director General of the Federation of Greek Truck Drivers of Road Freight and Passenger Transport (OFAE), emphasized that it is a myth that combined transport threatens road transport and that other modes of transportation are necessary because of the sector's saturation. Ms. Doumani referred to Greek companies and the competition they face from foreign companies, while she pointed out that in Europe there are 2 million vacant driver positions.

"Geopolitical developments always affect transport," noted Ms. Zoe Koletssa, Director of the Thessaloniki Office of CMA CGM Greece; however, she said, it is important for businesses to have a plan B in order to overcome the problems that arise.