Other: Perdicaris (TERNA): Social well-being at the heart of every project

“The regeneration of the manufacturing industry is inextricably linked to the welfare of our country”. With this phrase, Mr.George Perdikalis, its President, summed up the importance of the existence of a growing and healthy activity of Greek technical companies, for the economic and social development of Greece, speaking at the “Infrastructures and Networks” conference held today (2.4.2024) at Athens Marriott Hotel. Counting the many benefits of the construction industry for our country, the President of TERNA noted that the contribution of technical companies creates a multiplier value that exceeds the obvious sectors of economy and employment, as it extends and spreads throughout social life. “We have proven in practice that we are here when our country is tested, as our mobilisation in all natural disasters has shown,” he said, adding that “the Greek construction market, with all its problems and weaknesses, has a accumulated experience and a specialized knowledge that can offer solutions and assist with very competitive approaches.” In addition, Mr Perdikaris stressed the need for synergies in order to address threats that come with increasing frequency and fierceness in the area of infrastructure. “Neither companies should replace the state, nor local rulers should replace the scientific and scholarly community, nor populism should dictate technical solutions. There are neither direct or magical solutions, especially if we want to face the challenges of the environment, present and future,” he said, pointing out that “the solutions require congregation and sincere cooperation, offering everyone what it has as a comparative advantage.” In this context and referring specifically to the role of infrastructure for the protection of human life from the climate crisis, the President of TERNA has been the fact that while we are called on to “fortify” against the climate crisis and to develop modern, green and more durable infrastructures that will protect and improve the lives of people, at the same time European resources are now being given priority to the emerging countries, and/or are no longer intended for specific types of projects, such as roads. Consequently, according to Mr. Perdikaris, the Greek state must take advantage of its comparative advantage, based on those Greek technical companies that have not only the know-how and the economic surface, but above all the consequence of investing in the country and implementing projects that offer essentially to the community as a whole. “We are here and we have been present for over 50 years, having social well-being at the heart of all our projects,” said Mr.Perdiris, . He said that TERNA today derives only 35% of its unexecuted works from the Greek public, while 65% – i.e. projects worth about 3.8 billion euros – corresponds to private projects or projects performed by TERNA and constitute private investments by GEK TERNA Group, such as the Integrated Tourism Complex (IRC) in Greece, the New International Airport of Heraklion Crete in Kasteli, Egnatia Street, the Amelisitamiosis in Ampelonia, etc.