A major trade mission from Thessaloniki will visit Melbourne and Sydney between November 21 to 26 to establish new commercial links between Greece and Australia.
Organised between the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) and the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, the delegation will comprise of at least twenty leading Greek companies who represent a wide range of market sectors – including energy, manufacturing, agriculture, as well as foodstuffs and tourism.
The trade delegation will be accompanied by the Greek Minister of Macedonia and Thrace – Mr Theodoros Karaoglou and other senior governmental dignitaries from the region.
HACCI’s Director for Trade, George Iliopoulos told Neos Kosmos that HACCI was delighted to be welcoming the trade mission to Australia.
“We aim to open doors and provide the platform which will facilitate connections that will kick off bilateral agreements and the flow of trade,” said Mr Iliopoulos.
“In recent times there has been an overwhelming interest by Greek companies looking to expand their activities to the Australian market and HACCI receives many inquiries from companies in Greece on a daily basis”.
HACCI’s Trade Director pointed to the recent presentations by global branding guru Peter Economides as further evidence of the commercial edge that many Greek businesses bring to the marketplace.
“There are many examples of Greek companies being world leaders in their industries – with innovative products and unique market strategies,” said Mr Iliopoulos.
“We fully support this initiative and are looking forward to a very successful program of B2B meetings, information sessions, sector-based briefings and the exchange of ideas that we know can benefit two-way trade between Greece and Australia.
“Bilateral trade between Australia and Greece has ample room for improvement” added Mr Iliopoulos.
“Traditionally, Greece has exported food products to Australia aimed towards the Greek-Australians living here. They have always been a loyal and committed market. However the Greek community in Australia is only a small part of the 20 million Australian market.
“Australia has an affluent population and high disposable income, spending generously on products such as food items, services and energy. It is a very good market and there is an opportunity for Greece to penetrate the market and make an economic impact”.
Companies taking part include a wide range of established businesses and industry-leaders, including renewable energy consultants AIAS Engineering, solar heating specialists Maltezos, timber processors Alfa Wood, hair care producers Evdermia, GLS Fused Glass, IMIA furniture producers, Olympia Electronics and Perideo fashion accessories.
From the food and hospitality sector Akrothea, Eleones, Pelopac, Mondo/Unitrade Group and Enpoka will be represented.
Tourism destination promotion will also form an important part of the delegation’s agenda with the Municipality of Lagadas and the Municipality of Western Mani giving presentations.
The timing of the mission is significant as Greek companies become increasingly focused on exploring new export markets to offset the lack of growth in their own domestic market.
Details of the trade mission’s program including company profiles, B2B Meetings, presentations and networking events will be posted on the HACCI website.
Australian businesses who wish to arrange meetings with members of the delegation during their stay should contact the HACCI Office on 03 9602-2977 or info@hacci.com.au