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The event, held at Mavili Square, moved beyond the traditional format of a local products exhibition. For the first time, Go Local formally welcomed another Greek production region, with Lasithi and the Lasithi Chamber of Commercebecoming the initiative\u2019s first guest region.<\/p>\n
More than 35 exhibitors from the Ioannina region, together with businesses and producers from Lasithi, created a shared platform for showcasing products, making new contacts and developing business networks.<\/p>\n
The meeting between Epirus and Crete went beyond product promotion. It highlighted opportunities for new contacts, partnerships and outward-looking business activity, giving local companies the chance to learn about a different production region and explore new avenues for growth.<\/p>\n
From local production to interregional cooperation<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n At the opening of the event, Ioannina Chamber of Commerce President Spyros Bekas highlighted the importance of primary production and processing for the future of Greece\u2019s regions, according to an announcement.<\/p>\n Bekas also focused on the people who choose to invest in production and remain in or return to rural areas. He stressed the need for effective support, financing and development tools to help them build sustainable businesses.<\/p>\n He also announced the establishment of a \u201cGuest Chamber\u201d initiative, under which Go Local & Taste will welcome a different Greek production region each year.<\/p>\n The choice of Lasithi for the first edition marks the beginning of a model that could create lasting links between chambers of commerce, businesses and producers across Greece.<\/p>\n Ioannina-Crete connection takes centre stage<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The event also highlighted an issue that directly affects economic and tourism ties between Epirus and Crete: the need for a regular air connection between Ioannina and Crete.<\/p>\n A stable direct air route could strengthen tourism, make business travel easier and support commercial relations between the two regions.<\/p>\n The joint push for better air connectivity complements the cooperation already developing between businesses and producers in Epirus and Crete.<\/p>\n Greek products eye the US market<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n International outreach formed another key pillar of this year\u2019s event.<\/p>\n As part of the parallel activities, a specialist adviser from the United States met with producers and businesses and presented opportunities for Greek products to enter the American market.<\/p>\n The initiative formed part of a broader effort to move local production beyond visibility and recognition towards business networking, commercial partnerships and exports.<\/p>\n Go Local & Taste aims to become an institution<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Ioannina Deputy Mayor Aris Kassis, Ioannina MP Giannis Tsimaris and representatives of the Lasithi Chamber of Commerce also addressed the opening ceremony, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two regions.<\/p>\n With the sixth edition now complete, the organisers said Go Local & Taste had demonstrated that it can serve as more than a local products exhibition.<\/p>\n For four days, Mavili Square brought Epirus and Crete together, allowing producers and businesses to showcase their products, exchange experiences and explore potential partnerships.<\/p>\n The organisers said the event demonstrated how local identity and production can provide a starting point for interregional cooperation, business partnerships and international expansion.<\/p>\n The initiative will now continue with the goal of expanding cooperation at each edition, bringing different Greek production regions closer together and creating more opportunities for businesses and producers.<\/p>\n Through the new \u201cGuest Chamber\u201d model, Go Local & Taste aims to establish itself as a permanent platform for interregional networking, where Greek producers can meet, cooperate and pursue new markets.<\/p>\n