On the occasion of the upcoming event “From Region to Progress: Local Production as a Driver of Sustainable Development”, taking place on October 31 2025 in Serres, Macedonia, Northern Greece, Katerina Tsourtsoula — Member of the Board of International Chamber of Commerce-ICC Hellas, Head of the ICC Agri-Food Initiative Greece, and Head of the Agriculture Cluster of ICC Hellas Women — discusses the concept, philosophy, and goals of this year’s event.
The conversation highlights the importance of local production, innovation, and extroversion as key pillars of sustainable growth and regional progress.
The following interview with Ms. Tsourtsoula delves into the themes, perspectives, and vision behind this meaningful initiative.
1. What is the main goal of the event and what does it aim to highlight?
The main goal of the event is to showcase the potential of local production as a key driver of sustainable development and to emphasize the role of the regions in the modern economy.
We aim to highlight how livestock farming, processing, and exports form interlinked parts of a chain that can strengthen Greece’s regional economies by creating opportunities, added value, and outward-looking growth.
Through open discussions, we seek to present best practices, encourage collaboration between producers, businesses, and institutions, and initiate dialogue on how today’s challenges can become opportunities for growth in the primary sector and local economy.
2. Why were the city of Serres and the region chosen as the venue for this year’s event?
Each year, we choose a different city in Greece’s regional areas, aiming to give voice to local communities and highlight their distinctive characteristics.
This year’s event in Serres marks the fourth in a series celebrating both the International Day of Rural Women (October 15) and World Food Day (October 16).
Previous events took place in Sparta (2022), Heraklion, Crete (2023), and Ioannina (2024).
For 2025, Serres was chosen following the proposal of the President of the Serres Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Thanasis Malliaras, with the Chamber’s continuous support.
This choice carries both practical and symbolic significance, as Serres is a region with a strong agricultural identity — particularly in livestock and dairy production, with its renowned buffalo products being a local hallmark.
Serres exemplifies a region that successfully integrates production, processing, and exports through businesses that evolve, innovate, and drive local development.
Through this year’s event, we aim to underline how local production and livestock farming can serve as levers of sustainable growth and to bring this dialogue directly to the region — encouraging cooperation among institutions, producers, and businesses.
3.
What will be presented, and what is the guiding philosophy behind the agenda?
The agenda has been designed to follow the natural journey of a product — from production to market.
It begins with livestock farming, the foundation of production, moves on to processing as the bridge of added value, and concludes with exports, innovation, and financing — the key pillars of a sustainable and competitive model.
Our philosophy is not merely to present speeches, but to foster discussion.
Therefore, each session is designed to be interactive, featuring participants from production, business, academia, and institutional bodies — sharing real experiences and actionable insights.
The event will conclude with an open conversation on sustainable food systems and gastronomy, featuring chef Dina Nikolaou in dialogue with journalist Nikol Kazantzidou, who will connect the key takeaways from all previous panels — production, processing, and exports.
In essence, we close the circle, illustrating how local production can reach our tables, shaping a sustainable, innovative, and outward-looking agri-food future.
4. What initiatives and activities are developed by the ICC Hellas Women Agriculture Cluster, and where are its efforts focused?
The Agriculture Cluster of ICC Hellas Women was established to highlight the potential of Greece’s primary sector.
It consists of a dynamic team of 17 women from across the country, united by a shared vision: to promote local production, sustainable development, and innovation throughout the Greek regions.
Through events, partnerships, and networking, we connect producers, enterprises, institutions, and academia, building an active ecosystem of cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The strength and prestige of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) allow us to carry the voice of rural Greece to a global platform — linking our country with 28 other nations that participate in the ICC Agri-Food Initiative.
In every action, we aim to enhance not only cooperation and knowledge sharing but also the international visibility of Greece’s agri-food sector.
5. What are the main challenges producers face in processing or exporting their products?
This is exactly the focus of our discussion during the event.
Through three dedicated panels — Livestock, Processing, and Exports — we will explore both challenges and solutions.
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE), and the President of SEVE, Mr. Symeon Diamantidis, will participate in the Exports panel, offering insights into export growth and producer support mechanisms.
Entrepreneurs from the processing sector will also share their experiences, challenges, and perspectives on the future.
Across all sessions, one message will become clear: by uniting production, processing, and markets, we can build a more sustainable and outward-looking future.
6. How can a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem be developed in the regions, linking producers, processors, exporters, and investors?
This is fully addressed through the discussions above — by connecting all stages of the value chain and fostering long-term cooperation and innovation.
7. What is the importance of extroversion for strengthening the competitiveness of Greek products?
Extroversion is the cornerstone of competitiveness.
It is not just about exporting goods abroad — it is about sharing a philosophy of quality, authenticity, and sustainability that defines Greek production.
Participation in international markets encourages innovation, modernization, and quality improvement while generating added value for local communities.
Through extroversion, local products gain global recognition, strengthening the overall brand Greece.
8. Can extroversion preserve local identity without diluting it?
Absolutely — as long as it is approached with respect for origin and authenticity.
Extroversion does not mean homogenization; it means promoting the genuine in a modern way.
The goal is to combine local character with innovation: maintaining the taste, quality, and philosophy of each region while presenting them in a manner that meets international standards.
In this way, extroversion doesn’t diminish local identity — it elevates it, bringing it closer to the world and creating added value for both producers and regions.
9.
How can initiatives like those of ICC act as catalysts for the entrepreneurial evolution of rural Greece and for regional development overall?
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the world’s largest business organization, representing enterprises of all sectors across the globe.
Since its founding after World War I, ICC has upheld the principle that trade is a force for peace and prosperity — earning its founders the title of “Merchants of Peace.”
Its mission is to promote free and fair international trade and investment, helping businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities in a globalized economy.
At the national level, ICC Hellas, through its Agriculture Cluster and the ICC Agri-Food Initiative Greece, acts as a catalyst for rural entrepreneurship and regional growth.
It creates spaces for dialogue, unites producers, businesses, and institutions, and highlights the potential of Greece’s regions as engines of sustainable development.
Initiatives such as this year’s event in Serres embody this philosophy — bringing together production, processing, and exports as an integrated chain of growth, driven by sustainability, innovation, and extroversion.
With its international network and credibility, ICC gives voice to the regions, building bridges that connect local entrepreneurship with national and global markets.
Every year, our initiatives are implemented with the continuous support of Regional Authorities, Municipalities, and Chambers of Commerce, under the auspices of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.
This year, the event is also held under the auspices of SEVE – the Greek Exporters Association, with Innovation Partner: the Alexandria Innovation Zone.
We are sincerely grateful for the trust and support of all institutional partners, sponsors, and speakers who stand beside us each year.
This initiative is entirely voluntary and non-profit, driven by our belief in cooperation, contribution, and the collective power of people working toward a shared goal:
to highlight Greece’s regions and primary sector as true drivers of sustainable development.
About The projeKt
Τhe projeKt was founded with the vision to deliver high-quality strategic communication, public relations, and event management services — with a core focus on connecting people, institutions, and ideas in meaningful ways.
Leveraging years of experience in the field, we specialize in designing and implementing targeted actions with measurable social and institutional impact. Our expertise includes the organization of scientific conferences, thematic events, and public forums, as well as the development of tailored PR strategies, networking activations, and visibility campaigns for both public and private sector organizations.
For the fourth consecutive year, The projeKt proudly undertakes — on a pro bono basis — the production of the International Day of Rural Women event, highlighting the role of local production within the broader context of sustainable development and community resilience.
At The ProjeKt, we don’t just organize events — we create experiences that carry purpose, structure, and strategic impact. We believe communication is not merely a tool for visibility, but a catalyst for positive change and growth.
