More than five Australian brands including Ugg Australia, ITM Freight and Gloria Jean’s will be taking part in Greece’s Thessaloniki International Trade Fair (TIF) in September.
As part of the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (HACCI) initiative, a maximum of eight companies can apply to have a presence at TIF.
HACCI, along with the Hellenic Australian Business Council (HABC) have bought out a 10 by 10 metre space that will make a uniquely Australian section for the fair, something that has never been done before.
Director of trade for HACCI, George Iliopoulos, says the fair is an opportunity for Australian companies to make a break in the European market.
“They think they’re not just going to break the Greek market, but they look at Thessaloniki as a crossroad to Europe,” he tells Neos Kosmos.
“They think they can transport their products outside of Greece, and that’s the goal of the Thessaloniki Trade Fair.”
More than 20 to 30 per cent of visitors at the festival are from Europe or overseas.
Already, a specialised Australian hearing aid manufacturer will be promoting their products, alongside cargo company, ITM Freight, motoring company Moke and coffee shop chain Gloria Jean’s. Gloria Jean’s already has a small presence in Cyprus but hopes to increase their market share to Greece.
Ugg Australia sees a new manufacturing opportunity in Greece now that the euro is falling, says Mr Iliopoulos.
“For Ugg boots, their production costs are 4 to 5 times higher than what it is in Europe and Greece,” he says.
“In Greece at the moment, wages are low compared to Australian standards and it has an opportunity to entertain companies to keep them in the country; companies see Greece as an attractive venture.”
As Greece tries to steady itself through its economic crisis, more avenues are being opened to foreign investors to start a dialogue in the country.
As export markets like China and India increase their tariffs and questions still remain on safe working conditions, cheaper European options are being looked at with more interest.
Mr Iliopoulos says Greece is changing its tack with foreign businesses, moving away from preconceived notions.
“Australia is always the flavour of the month in Greece,” he says.
“Fifteen years ago when I went to Greece saying ‘I’m from Australia’, they wouldn’t give me the time of day. Now things have changed. It’s not only our products but the way we do business. We’re a disciplined country.”
Mr Iliopoulos says Greece has matured and now understands they must make their market easier to break into, with less red tape.
The Trade Fair will be a chance for Greece to relaunch itself as a competitive business market in the EU, and will help stimulate a flatlining economy if the fair amounts to new business ventures.
Securing a stall costs $3000 and includes a table and office chairs available during the fair.
The yearly trade fair is on from 7 September till 15 September and attracts more than 800 exhibitors and approximately 200,000 visitors.
The theme for TIF 2013 is ‘Innovation – Technology – Development – Regeneration’, and is open to all industries, including construction, furniture, energy, IT, farming, tourism, hospitality, food, clothing/fashion, design, architecture and engineering.
Australian companies interested can contact HACCI by email at trade@hacci.com.au and visit www.hacci.com.au or www.helexpo.gr