On June 29, 2023, Airports of Puglia organized a press conference to conclude the cross-border cooperation project “Cross-border mechanisms for Green Intermodal and Multimodal Transport of FRESH products – FRESH WAYS.” The project was funded with € 2,737,235.00 by the Interreg V-A Greece-Italy 2014-2020 Program.
The FRESH WAYS project, aimed at reducing the use of road transport and enhancing air connections between Italy and Greece, has achieved significant milestones in pursuing its objectives. The main goal of the project was to develop a strategy to optimize the transportation system by significantly reducing dependence on land and maritime carriers and enhancing air connections between the two involved countries.
To implement integrated and sustainable transport solutions that are economically advantageous for the cooperating area, Airports of Puglia identified a specific logistics platform at the “AdP” Hangar located in the airside area of Bari Airport, near the west aircraft apron.
The event started with a press conference, during which the President of the Airports of Puglia, Mr. Antonio Maria Vasile, stated that the cross-border cooperation projects like FRESH WAYS represent an excellent tool to support specific projects that contribute to stimulating the economic development of the areas involved. Thanks to FRESH WAYS it was possible to recover, adapt, and equip a large existing structure at Bari Airport in the airside area, transforming it into a logistics platform. This initiative is part of a project that aims to implement integrated, sustainable, and economically advantageous forms of transport for the cooperation area between Italy and Greece.
Next, Regional Councilor for Economic Development of the Puglia Region, Mr. Alessandro Delli Noci, explained that Puglia continues to focus on the logistics sector and it does it by enhancing sustainable integrated transport solutions, as in this case. FRESH WAYS project is part of a broader context where the Puglia region, through cooperation between countries and the strengthening of public-private partnerships, becomes a gateway to Europe. Actions like this, which strengthen collaborations between institutions and promote the exchange of ideas and innovative solutions, must be welcomed and supported.
Furthremore, Mr. Gianfranco Gadaleta, JS Coordinator of the of Interreg VA Greece-Italy 2014-2020 Programme, explained that the FRESH WAYS project is of strategic importance for the Greece-Italy Programme as it has created this hub, an example of innovative logistics for storing fresh products from the entire Program area, ready to be distributed to other European destinations. It is an opportunity for companies to export and internationalize the excellent products from Puglia and Greece, and to promote the economic growth of the territories.
Lastly, Mr. Ioannis Bouris, President of the Preveza Chamber, emphasized the role of the FRESH WAYS project in fostering enhanced cooperation between Puglia and the Preveza area. The business plan developed through the project holds significant potential for strengthening commercial ties between the two regions. He further announced his intention to present the project’s achieved results to government
authorities, aiming to showcase the positive outcomes and highlight the importance of investing in similar initiatives.
The event concluded with a visit to the Hangar, where the institutional representatives and the project partners present at the event could see the logistic platform created under the FRESH WAYS project
SOME PHOTOS OF THE EVENT:
