The digital event on re-sparking the economy after COVID19 was organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) for Greece and Cyprus, in cooperation with SEV and BDI on June 25th. SEV – Hellenic Federation of Enterprises Chairman, Mr. Dimitris Papalexopoulos, and BDI President, Dr. Dieter Kempf, exchanged views on the growth challenges and the prospects for a V-shaped recovery in Europe and Greece. They were joined by Mr. Michael Tsamaz, Managing Director & CEO, OTE Group, and Mr. Henri-Giscard Bohnet, Director of KAS for Greece and Cyprus. The discussion was moderated by Mrs. Eleni Varvitsioti, Journalist.

The discussion focused on the way that the business communities of Greece and Germany responded to unprecedented circumstances, on the national and European instruments that have proved most effective in managing the COVID19 crisis, as well as on the policy priorities for the coming period.

Mr. Papalexopoulos underlined the need to build closer links between businesses and society, and emphasized the importance of increasing industry’s share in GDP, through more investments and speeding up the pace of reforms.

He also noted that Greece’s response to the health emergency demonstrated the very good reflexes of the public administration and citizens alike, and helped improve the country’s collective confidence creating the conditions for the country’s positive rebranding and re-alignment on the global stage. He also underlined the importance of a united Europe, and Greece’s commitment to the European vision, especially at a time our continent faced important challenges.

Mr. Papalexopoulos added that the health crisis is forcing us to think differently and to act intelligently. Greece, he said, is called to rise to the challenges of the post-Covid-19 world and to restart its economy, which despite significant progress, appears weaker than its European counterparts’ because of the long financial crisis. He stressed the need for greater consistency and speed of reforms as well as a socially responsible and effective management of EU Recovery funds.

The main priorities for a dynamic restart of the Greek economy stem from the need to strengthen its productive base through increased investment in infrastructure, with particular emphasis on digital transformation, the green and circular economy, and improving skills throughout the workforce at a time when also international supply chains are being redesigned. Mr. Papalexopoulos also highlighted the emerging investment opportunities in many key productive sectors of the Greek economy including the agro-food industry, pharmaceuticals, energy efficiency, waste management and logistics, and the growth impetus offered by the country’s valuable human capital.

Dr. Kempf noted that the European supply chains need to be redesigned taking into consideration not just economic costs but sovereignty costs as well, and stressed that the EU is the only way for Europe to remain an important global economic actor. He remarked that the current health crisis is very different from the financial crisis of 2010, and therefore the European policy response cannot be based on the same arguments as a decade ago. He underlined the need for a “Clever Green Deal”: an integrated strategy for green growth and post-COVID recovery, including substantial encouragement to SMEs for investment in digitization. Dr. Kempf warned that Europeans should remain alert to the virus, otherwise the current euphoria of dealing with the first wave may end up being self-destructive.

Click here to watch the full discussion

Click here for more information on the event

The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), SEV Hellenic Federation of Enterprises and the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE), organize the informative event “Doing business in Romania”, on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 13:00, at ACCI’s Headquarters (7, Akadimias str., Athens, 6^th floor), with the support of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN-Hellas 2025) and Eurobank.

Interested businesses will be informed on the business opportunities the Romanian market presents, as well as the potential for greek products, in view of the planned Business Mission in Bucharest between June 7-9, 2023.

Please fill in the registration form here, by Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

The working language is English and Greek and registration prior to the event is needed. You can see the programme of the event here.

For further information, please contact: ACCI (International Affairs Department, tel.: +30 210 3382342, +30 210 3382466, email: excom@acci.gr ), SEV (Ms Dina Athanasiou, tel. +30 211 5006 104, email: ir@sev.org.gr) and SEVE (Ms Natassa Gialoglou, tel.: +30 2310 535333, email: ny@seve.gr).

SEV , the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE) and the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), organise the information event “Doing Business in Nordic Countries” in cooperation with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 11:00, via zoom platform.

Interested businesses will be informed on the market of the Nordic Region (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark) and, in particular, the business and export opportunities presented by each the country, the formalities, the competition, as well as, the potential for Greek products to enter the Scandinavian market.

Please find the program here

Please fill in the registration form here.

SEV Hellenic Federation of Enterprises is a leader in the business community in Greece as the oldest business federation in the country. Theodore Fessas, President of SEV, discusses the potential of the Greek economy, sectors he finds poised for rapid growth, as well as initiatives SEV is pushing for such as reducing corporate and individual taxation, privatization, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, and increasing incentives packages to stimulate investment in the Greek economy. Mr. Fessas emphasized the importance of Germany as a trade and investment partner, and sees Germany as a key partner as Greece transforms its economy in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Greek economy is gaining momentum achieving a growth rate of 1.9 percent in 2018. How would you describe the economic turnaround in real terms and what is your assessment of Greece’s progress from an economic point of view?
Economic growth for 2020 is expected to be above the European Union average. Sovereign bond yields are at historical lows. Greece is riding a wave of increasing optimism; business expectations and consumer confidence are surging, and rapid investment growth is expected to improve productivity and competitiveness. Steps are being taken to reduce corporate and personal taxation, but more is needed. The biggest wager is whether the current economic climate, people’s perceptions and new legislation can be transformed into an investment wave on all fronts. Steps have already been taken towards reducing bureaucracy, simplifying licensing, as well as facilitating large scale investments. Transforming taxation into an instrument for growth through hyper-depreciations and other incentives are also expected to help investment. Nevertheless, the key challenge lies in widening the tax base and eliminating tax evasion. In addition, accelerating the digital strategy and overhauling public administration structures are crucial for Greece’s first wave adaptation to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

To support investment activity, Greece offers substantial incentives for large-scale strategic investments

Where are the key areas of investment opportunities in Greece currently? Which sectors do you see as the primary engines for growth?
Greece presents industrial investment opportunities in mining, energy, water, basic metals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and foods, as well as in more traditional sectors such as tourism, retail, logistics and construction. More recently, investments in more mature industries have been complemented with ventures in cutting-edge information and communication technology, as well as in the precision engineering and electronics sectors. There are also investment projects involving infrastructure and linked to privatization and concessions, in roads, rails, seaports, airports, hydroplane ports, and in telecommunication networks. To support investment activity, Greece offers substantial incentives for large-scale strategic investments. In sum, prospects for investment and growth in Greece are rapidly improving. This is bound to lead to an expansion of trade and capital flows, for the mutual benefit of our both countries and peoples. The Greek business community is eagerly willing to strengthen business ties with Germany.

What are the factors needed to increase Greece’s attractiveness as an investment destination?
Greece stands ready to attract investment of the highest caliber. Doing business in Greece requires lifting further red tape and enhancing digitalisation. Privatization is also key for attracting investment. Many public corporations need to be privatized. The focus of the approach should concern improving the quality of public services on offer, as well as their cost-effectiveness. Public-Private Partnerships and concessions can both be vehicles that will unlock the great investment potential in Greece. SEV has proposed the creation of a National Investment Council, headed by the Prime Minister, so that investments become a national priority. However, we further need agreement and cooperation with the government on goals and instruments for job creation and growth.

SEV has proposed the creation of the National Investment Council, headed by the Prime Minister

Despite significant progress made thus far, the Greek economy continues to face major challenges stemming from crisis-related legacies, with brain drain being a notable issue. How can Greece better link the education system to the job market?
In the last decade, 500,000 people left Greece. Among them some of our best young minds, and also many people who simply could not find a job. I do not necessarily believe that leaving the country for a while is a negative thing. Once abroad, horizons broaden and new skills are acquired. Nevertheless, it is becoming a significant problem for companies in Greece, as they experience skill shortages. Reversing the trend is crucial and will be achieved through two different approaches. The first involves improving the competitive environment affecting Greek corporations. Reforms are already underway in this respect, while reducing taxation and social security contributions would help significantly as well. The second aspect is through specific policies for addressing brain drain. The key lies in linking education and the market. This can include incentives for R&D investments to create a fertile environment for the cooperation between universities and businesses for research, collaborations and tackling common challenges. Creating an innovation ecosystem and allowing for the smooth transition from education to the workplace is also a key factor. In this respect, cooperation is needed to ensure that education and skills reflect the needs of the private sector. There is still a skill gap in Greece which worsens the brain drain. At SEV, we advocate for greater and deeper cooperation between public policy, education, and research, and the private sector. In the framework of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, knowledge and skills are constantly evolving. Through cooperation, we can ensure that education remains relevant and helps the graduates’ employment prospects.

In May 2019 you presented the main priorities of the business community for the period 2019-2024, focused on the EU. How do you envision Greece’s role within the EU evolving during this period and how can Greece better promote its national interests within the EU?
A strong Greece is even stronger in a strong EU. Strengthening Greece’s participation in all EU endeavours remains our main objective. We support growth policies aimed at improving the EU’s position in the global economy. We fully support the European goal of increasing industry’s share to 20 percent of GDP, through policies, priorities and finance mechanisms, aimed at improving companies’ adaptability, digital transformation and innovation. We find that our national interests is best served in a just, adaptable and modern union. Other important pillars include climate change, the completion of the energy internal market as a source of improved competitiveness, and of course, Digital Europe. The latter is seen as a key prospect for Greek industry and we are firm believers in Industry 4.0 project to transform the economy and allow us to leapfrog into the 21st century.

How is the Greek-German trade relationship and how can Greece capitalize on the momentum created and shift the perception of German foreign investors?
Germany is a long-standing friend of Greece and one of our strongest, and closest, trading partners. Almost 10 percent of Greek exports go to Germany and 15 percent of our imports come from there. Germany is also a significant FDI partner in Greece. In 2018 alone, German investors invested €459 million, 14 percent of total net FDI in Greece. Our trading relationship is going from strength to strength in both directions. We import from, and export to, Germany in significant volumes, a relationship that hardly faltered even at the peak of the crisis. German companies that have participated in Greek privatization efforts have proven their commitment and abilities. German investors would also be welcome to invest in Greek companies and take advantage relatively low stock valuations and real estate prices, as well as human resources of the highest caliber. Further and deeper cooperation would only make things better. For example, we are very eager to tap into German know-how in the run-up to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The change of narrative for Greece is already taking place in the German market and globally. Greece is increasingly seen as an opportunity rather than a threat to the European edifice. SEV prides itself on our approach to international cooperation and the business opportunities that may result from it. Our export trade missions bring our members into contact with business opportunities around the world, while our results-based efforts yield numerous business deals. We work hard to demonstrate Greece’s ability to change and exploit the opportunities arising from our potential.

Considering the strengths of the German economy in industry, technology, innovation and renewables among others, what investment opportunities can Greece present that suit the profile of German investors?
Greece has plenty of investment opportunities to offer. Foreign capital net inflows have doubled in recent years, though still, at around €4 billion, they represent just 2 percent of GDP. As expected at the initial phase of a country’s repositioning in the global investment map, most of the foreign investments are in the area of services, mainly tourism, financials, and investments in real estate, specifically housing. What is most needed in our country, however, beyond portfolio investments, is greenfield investment. And the government works hard towards that direction.

Mr. Theodore Fessas interview to Global FDI Reports, Business Reports for Die Welt Newspaper.

Following recent developments regarding the Covid-19 virus, the organizers adopt fully the recommendations of the International Health Organization and the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.

As a result, the forthcoming business mission to Azerbaijan, scheduled for April 7-10, 2020, is postponed. The health and safety of business community remains our top priority.

You will be notified of new dates as soon as they are decided.

Business missions to Malaysia / Philippines and Ghana continue as planned, until further developments.

SEV Hellenic Federation of Enterprises, together with ACCI and the Enterprise Europe Network, in collaboration with the JEBA Organization, (Jordan Europe Business Association) and with the support of the General Secretariat of International Economic Relations and Openness of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will hold a Business Forum & B2B meetings event, on Monday, October 24, 2022 at 10.00 am at the ACCI premises (Academias 7, 6th floor).

The aim of the event is to inform the Greek businessmen about the prospects and possibilities of the Jordanian market. Afterwards B2B meetings will take place between Greek and Jordanian businessmen.

The companies from Jordan that will participate in the B2B meetings are mainly active in the following sectors: Construction, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Renewable Energy Sources, Catering, Electronics and Home Appliances, Agricultural Products, Tourism, etc.
For the detailed list of these businesses, click here.

If you are interested in participating in this event, send the completed Participation Form by clicking here by Monday, October 17, 2022.

*Please note that the working language will be English.

For any information you can contact SEV (Ms. V. Makrygianni, T. 211 5006 121, E. ir@sev.org.gr) and ACCI (International Relations Department, T: 210 3382342, 210 3382466, E: excom@acci.gr).

SEV, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and KEIDANREN (Japan Business Federation), welcomes a business delegation from Japan on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at its offices.

The event will be held with the support of the Embassy of Greece in Japan and the Embassy of Japan in Greece.

The companies that will participate from the Japanese side are the following: Hitachi Ltd., Ana Holdings Inc., Sumitomo Deutschland GmbH, Sumitomo Life Insurance Company, Japan Airlines Co., Nomura Holdings Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.

The meeting will be held in English and participation is upon registration.

Please complete the participation form here by Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

The program is available here.

The “Japan country report 2022” is available here.

See here Keidanren presentation: “Sustainable Economic Relations with Greece”

See here Enterprise Greece presentation: “Let Greece inspire you!”

For more information you can contact Ms. V. Makrigianni (T. 211 5006 121, E. ir@sev.org.gr).

Sponsored by

SEV Hellenic Federation of Enterprises, the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE) and Enterprise Greece, organise the information event “Discover Hong Kong”, on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 13:00, at SEV’s Headquarters (5, Xenofontos str., Athens), with the support of Eurobank.

Interested businesses will be informed on Hong Kong’s market, in particular, the business and investment opportunities presented by the country, as well as the potential for greek products to enter the market.

Please fill in the registration form here, by Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

The working language is English and a registration prior to the event is needed. You can see the programme of the event here.

The “Hong Kong country report” is available here.

The presentation “Hong Kong: Your route to grow in Asia” is available here.

The presentation “HKTDC services for capturing Asian business opportunities” is available here.

For further information, please contact: SEV (Ms Vicky Makrigianni, tel. +30 211 5006 121, email: ir@sev.org.gr ), ACCI (International Affairs Department, tel.: +30 210 3382342, +30 210 3382466, email: excom@acci.gr ), Enterprise Greece (Ms Natassa Ladopoulou, tel.: +30 210 3355746, email: a.ladopoulou@eg.gov.gr  and SEVE (Ms Natassa Gialoglou, tel.: +30 2310 535333, email: ny@seve.gr).

Sponsored by

Following recent developments regarding the Covid-19 virus, the organizers adopt fully the recommendations of the International Health Organization and the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
As a result, the forthcoming business mission to Ghana scheduled for May 2020 is postponed. The health and safety of business community remains our top priority.
You will be notified of new dates as soon as they are decided.
Thank you for your understanding.

SEV Hellenic Federation of Enterprises, the Hellenic African Chamber of Commerce and Development, the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE) and Enterprise Greece, with the support of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MYTILINEOS S.A. (METKA Ghana), the Athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), the Panhellenic Exporters Association and the Exporters’ Association of Crete, are organising a business mission to Accra, Ghana, departing on Monday 18 May and returning on Friday 22 May 2020. The mission will be accompanied by the Secretary General for the International Economic Affairs of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gregory Dimitriadis.
The business forum and B2B meetings will be organized in collaboration with the following: the Ghana Investment and Promotion Center (GIPC), the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI), the Ghana Free Zone Authority (GFZA), the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
The mission will cover all sectors of the Greek economy.

For the success of the mission and to better fine-tune our actions, please, kindly inform us about the participation of your company by submitting your application here, up until Monday the 16th of March.

For any kind of information, please, contact SEV (Ms. Vicky Makrygianni: tel. 211 500 6121, email. vmakrigianni@sev.org.gr).