Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos highlighted the government’s broader plan for the productive revitalisation of the region, as well as immediate support for businesses and workers in the fur industry, during a visit to Kastoria as part of government officials’ tour of northern Greece ahead of the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).Theodorikakos referred to the severe blow dealt to the local economy by the war in Ukraine and the loss of one of the fur industry’s key markets.“We all know that households and businesses in Kastoria have suffered a very significant blow in recent years, mainly because of the Russian-Ukrainian war, as a huge market has been lost. Many businesses have been struggling and jobs have been lost,” he said.The Development Ministry has provided practical support to the fur industry through a series of business support programmes totaling €30 million, Theodorikakos said.He stressed that a new support programme for fur businesses will be launched on September 4, with the aim of supporting all companies in the sector during this particularly difficult period.At the same time, he underlined that the government’s goal is the overall economic revitalisation of Kastoria, creating new opportunities in tourism, primary production, industry and entrepreneurship.“The Development Ministry’s and the government’s overall priority is to restore the growth potential of Kastoria, making the most of its outstanding natural, historical and cultural assets, but above all the potential of the young people, whom we want to stay and build their future here,” he said.