Thessaloniki to Host Balkans & Black Sea Cooperation Forum in 2018

The northern port city of Thessaloniki will host next year’s Balkans & Black Sea Cooperation Forum (BBSF) at the International Exhibition Center on May 30-June 1.

The host city of the rotating annual event was announced at the recently held “One Belt – One Road: China and the Balance of European Interests” event organized by the BBSF and TIF-Helexpo at the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki.

Under the title “Rail, Road, Rivers: Connectivity in the EU via the Balkan Region”, the BBSF 2018 aims to advance cross-border cooperation, enhance bilateral and multilateral relations, strengthen business opportunities and promote economic growth and sustainable development between the Balkan and Black Sea countries and is addressed to senior officials from the EU, the Balkans and Black Sea, bodies and institutions, international organizations, public officials, while offering the chance to strengthen business and cultural relations.

Sessions during the three-day event will focus on economic relations and prospects for the region, health, energy, agriculture and the environment, transport and infrastructure, education, culture and tourism.

The event will be held under the auspices the economy ministry and the Thessaloniki municipality with the support of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), TIF-Helexpo and the Geo Routes Cultural Institute.