The Hellenic Australian Chanber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation (HNF) has taken a big step towards consolidating bilateral trade ties with Greece following a series of meetings held there in January.
Dr. Elena Mamouni Limnios, Chair of HNF Council, engaged with numerous representatives in Greece to discuss how to enhance bilateral trade and cultural connections between the two countries.
It was an important milestone for the newly appointed HNF Council Chair, who held her first in-person meetings with the Greek Industry, Commerce and Export Organisations since the MoU was signed in 2024.
“The discussions I had in Greece were incredibly fruitful, and I am excited about the future opportunities for Hellenic Australian businesses,” said Dr. Limnios in an official media release.
“Our ongoing collaboration with the Chambers and associations in Greece will create new pathways for innovation, investment, and trade.”
Among the people she met with included Vassilis Korkidis, President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Sofia Kounenaki Efraimoglou, President of Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Simeon Diamantidis and Panagiotis Hassapis, representatives of Greek Exporters Association (SEVE), as well as members from the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI).
The HNF Council Chair spoke about the possibilities of collaboration withing Greece’s maritime industry, particularly around the AUKUS agreement and the potential for Greek involvement in submarine construction and specialised training.
They also addressed leveraging Maritime Hellas, Greece’s first official maritime cluster, to foster innovation and strengthen maritime business ties between the two countries.
A significant outcome came during her meetings with SEVE as it led to the confirmation of Hassapis in joining HACCI WA’s Back to Business event this month as a guest speaker.
He will deliver a presentation focusing on trade and export activities between Greece and Australia.
Their discussions also highlighted the idea of organising seminars for members via teleconference and possible sector-specific trade delegations.
She held equally fruitful discussions with the TCCI in which they agreed to survey TCCI members to identify sectors with the highest potential for trade with Australia.
Initial teleconference meetings were suggested as a first step toward building relationships between businesses in both countries, while Dr. Limnios reiterated the HNF’s ongoing advocacy for direct flights to facilitate smoother business exchanges.
“It is an exciting time for our business communities, and the HACCI National Federation is committed to ensuring we continue to support these growing partnerships,” the HNF Council Chair said.
A common theme which emerged from the meetings was the joint commitment to support the ongoing efforts to address any policy barriers impeding trade between Greece and Australia.
They have already discussed a few key initiatives, among which is a proposal to hold sector-specific teleconference meetings to connect Australian and Greek businesses as a first step toward deeper collaboration.
“The potential for growth through stronger partnerships with Greece is tremendous. With each meeting, we are creating pathways for businesses to expand and innovate,” Dr. Limnios said.
“We are excited for the future and look forward to deepening our relationships with our Greek counterparts.”
