The bilateral trade and business relationship between Australia and Greece was reinforced this week when HACCI board members met with the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Kyriakos Gerontopoulos.
At the meeting – also attended by the Greek Ambassador to Australia Haris Dafaranos and Consul General to Greece in Melbourne Christina Simantiraki – the parties gave an update on their current situation and future plans.
Mr Gerontopoulos began by explaining the difficult times Greece has been facing but ensured that the country is making progress in working through their troubles. He told the meeting that their success was partly due to the ongoing support of countries such as Australia who have a strong connection with the Hellenic Republic, said Fotini Kypraios, HACCI secretary and director of the HACCI Internship Program.
“He emphasised how integral HACCI’s role is as the leading Hellenic business professional and industry organisation in Australia in relation to being a conduit of information and support,” Ms Kypraios told Neos Kosmos, adding that HACCI responded by saying they would help and assist wherever they could.
HACCI discussed their participation at the 2013 Thessaloniki Trade Show, and in particular their upcoming participation this year, especially with the 30th anniversary celebration of the sister city relationship between Melbourne and Thessaloniki.
Ms Kypraios said by updating Mr Gerontopoulos on HACCI’s activities, he is now able to go back to Greece and assist and direct companies seeking to trade with Australia.
Issues such as the Work and Holiday Visa and double tax on Australian properties were also discussed with Mr Gerontopoulos, saying an announcement and a decision would officially be made later in the year when the Greek Minister for Tourism visits Australia.
Following the meeting, a reception was held at Parliament House to commemorate Greek National Independence Day.