Sixth Greek Exports Forum

14 May 2018

The conference started with the welcome address of Papakonstantinidis Leonidas, Economic Counsellor & President of the Union of Economic and Commercial Diplomats of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who mentioned that the dynamic development that the exports sector recorded in 2017 will further accelerate in 2018, according to the first data on this year’s economic activity. Their total value excluding oil products increased by 19.3% or 275.5 million euros in January 2018, reaching 1.70 billion euros from 1.43 billion euros.

Verros Franciscos, Ambassador and Director General for Economic Relations, of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that there is a decrease of the unemployment in Greece from 27% to 21% which although it is still one of the highest rates in Europe, it’s a positive sign.

During the conference, there were a number of speakers who presented and analysed the opportunities and challenges that different foreign markets have, namely Bulgaria, Zambia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Kenya, China and Iran. Briefly, I noted that:

• The Canadian market is seeking high quality over low price and products/services that are environmentally friendly
• That Brazil is a closed market, with only 12% of imports and a high rate of customs (with a maximum of 55%)
• Bulgaria has a low level of unemployment – comparing to Greece – of 8% and almost zero inflation, two factors that are appealing for business who would like to start a business in this country
• Zambia is the second biggest producer of copper worldwide and is extremely investor friendly because mainly of the fact that has a stable government and important natural resources
• Kazakhstan’s trade is around 50% with EU countries and is the 35th place in easy of doing business according to the world banking 2017, the 3rd place in protecting minority investors and the 4th place in starting a business, all three elements very attractive for a business seeking to move to a new market

There were three panels with the following subjects : “The role of exports in Greece’s new growth model” , “Opportunities in new markets – Officers of Economic and Commercial Affairs Offices present growth opportunities in their countries” and “Tools for International Market Penetration (E-commerce, Certification, Marketing, HR Services, Transportation, Logistics)”.

During the 6th Greek Exports Forum, renowned specialists provided in-depth analysis and insight on key matters which all entrepreneurs involved in the exports sector should be aware of, such as the government’s initiatives on the improvement of extroversion, the funding of exporters by banks and international financial institutions and the tools that businesses should utilize in order to access new markets, such as certification, e-commerce, marketing, insurance and consultation services. As a student who is currently enrolled in an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, I consider all this knowledge as extremely valuable, especially taking into account the fact that the Greek market is one market with great potential and that slowly but steadily Greek economy appears to recover.

Leonidas Galeridis, MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Find more information about Santander funding under Opportunities.