In an effort to further support the internationalization and competitiveness of Greek Enterprises, Eurobank successfully concluded its 6th Go International Business Delegation in Athens, under the distinctive title “Go in Athens”. Go in Athens was under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was co-organized with all major Export Associations of Greece (Panhellenic Exporters Association-PSE, Greek International Business Association-SEVE and Exporters’ Association of Crete-EAC), SEV-Hellenic Federation of Enterprises, and SETE- Greek Tourism Confederation. In addition, the initiative enjoyed the support of major bilateral Chambers of Commerce, including the Dutch-Hellenic Association of Commerce.
During the Go in Athens event, more than 100 Greek exporting companies of the Food & Beverages and the Cosmetics industry came in contact with 50 prominent international buyers from 11 countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, China, Great Britain, Netherlands and Sweden). During the event more than 1.300 B2B meetings were completed, while the participants had the opportunity to introduce their products to international counterparties and establish the ground for mutually beneficial relationships. In the Forum that held during the event, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Dimitris Mardas noted: “Among other things, we aim at enhancing business extroversion, promoting Greece in international markets as a country producing and exporting quality products and services, as well as expanding Greek business activity into new markets”.
Mr. Fokion Karavias, Eurobank CEO, emphasized in his speech: “We are ready to stand by you, providing consultation and financing, because we believe in the power, the creativity and the intelligence of sound Greek entrepreneurship”. “To exit the crisis, Greece needs a strong chain of extroversion running all the way from the primary sector, manufacturing, tourism, transport and the financial sector through to the official State. Go International at first and now Go In Athens are a shining example of a globally-oriented public, private and banking sector partnership,” stated Mrs Christina Sakelaridis, President of the Panhellenic Exporters Association. The forum commenced with a greeting by Mr. Kostas Vassiliou, Eurobank General Manager and Head of Group Corporate & Investment Banking, who focused on the high turnout. “Given the current economic conjuncture in Greece, this response is extremely hopeful in terms of the prospects of the Greek economy, proving that, despite the crisis, there is room for substantial efforts to grow.”
Eurobank Deputy General Manager and Chief Economist, Mr. Platon Monokrousos, presented an analysis of the Greek economy entitled “Macroeconomic prospects, exporting performance and what is necessary to strengthen investment and the extroversion of the Greek economy”. A discussion followed, with the participation of Mr. Alkiviadis Kalabokis, President of the Exporters’ Association of Crete, and Dr. Kyriakos Loufakis, President of the Greek International Business Association. The Buyers were represented in the discussion panel by Mr. Evagoras Mavromatis, founder and CEO of La Table de la Mediterranée, one of the biggest catering companies in France. Special attention was drawn to the presence and statements made by Deputy Vice-Chairwoman of Guangzu Group, Mrs Wei Liu, who represented one of the major business groups in China.
Source: “HeDA News”