Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region meets marble industry leaders to boost Greek Marble exports
Regional authorities in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace held talks with representatives of the marble sector to discuss infrastructure, certification standards, and international promotion strategies aimed at strengthening the global position of Greek marble exports.
The meeting took place on May 5 in Komotini between Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis and executives from the Association of Marble Enterprises of Macedonia-Thrace (SEMM-TH).
Industry representatives highlighted the strategic role of Macedonia and Thrace as the production center of Greece’s marble industry, emphasizing the sector’s contribution to exports, regional employment, and industrial development.
Focus on Quarry Waste Management and Infrastructure
A major topic of discussion involved the management of quarry waste materials and the need for suitable disposal and processing areas near extraction and industrial zones.
Special attention was given to Thasos due to the island’s unique geographic and environmental conditions linked to marble production activities.
Participants also explored the possibility of reusing technically suitable quarry materials in coastal, port, and regional infrastructure projects after environmental and technical evaluations.
Regional officials discussed preliminary ideas for pilot marine projects around Thasos, including the potential creation of artificial reefs supported by scientific studies and environmental licensing procedures. The possibility of utilizing EU fisheries-related funding mechanisms was also raised during the talks.
Port Development and Export Logistics
The meeting additionally addressed plans to improve the small port infrastructure in the Vathy area of Thasos, a project considered important for supporting local industrial and export activity.
Officials stated that if existing municipal studies are sufficiently advanced, the regional administration could evaluate the project for institutional support and possible implementation pathways.
Protecting Greek Marble Branding Internationally
Another key issue centered on establishing a stronger certification and legal protection framework for internationally recognized Greek marble products with distinct geographic identities.
Participants stressed that preventing misleading use of Greek geographic labels in global markets is essential for maintaining competitiveness, export credibility, and product quality standards.
The regional governor also proposed integrating Greek marble more actively into Greece’s economic diplomacy strategy by promoting it as a strategic export product with cultural and historical significance.
Expanding International Outreach
Discussions included the participation of marble companies in international trade and diplomatic missions, as well as efforts to connect the sector with visits by foreign ambassadors and delegations.
Industry representatives praised recent regional initiatives involving Koichi Ito and diplomatic outreach activities in Drama and Kavala aimed at increasing global visibility for Greek marble.
Officials also highlighted the international prestige of Thasos White Marble, which has been used in globally recognized religious and architectural sites including Mecca and Medina.
Supporting Education and Industry Awareness
The meeting concluded with discussions on supporting educational and outreach initiatives, including quarry visits for university students to increase awareness of the marble sector’s economic and industrial significance for the region and Greece as a whole.
