press release content
I consider myself fortunate to be writing this brief article for “Greek Exporters” at this particular moment. I am fortunate as the 2021 digital edition of your useful guide coincides with the bicentennial commemoration of the outbreak of the Greek Revolution in 1821, a struggle for independence which led to the creation of the modern Greek State following centuries of oppression and foreign domination.
There is a connection, believe me. For centuries, the Greeks were known for their trading capabilities. The stereotype of the ‘conquering traveling merchant’ was so widespread that in certain central European languages the word Greek coincided with the word for merchant. It is quite a well-known fact that it was the extensive commercial network of such merchants that established the secret “Friendly Society” , an underground revolutionary organization which subsequently played a critical role in Greece’s successful War of Independence.
Perhaps, it is this rich tradition in commerce that has re-emerged in recent years, making Greece a trading protagonist once again. In fact, despite the ongoing pandemic, Greece recorded an increase of 3.2% in exports for 2020.
All successful export promotion policies should have clearly defined priorities, goals, and objectives.
Exports must increase in sectors beyond the petroleum products, whereas services need to go beyond tourism and shipping to include and other sectors with Greek quality products, the creative industry and new technologies. Thus, our government has taken important steps to improve the productivity and technological content of domestic goods, while providing many incentives that nurture innovation.
In closing, I would like to draw some attention to the title of my portfolio: I am in charge of Economic Diplomacy and Openness at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is expected that most people associate this title with attracting foreign investments and boosting exports.
I am confident that the Greek government is doing everything possible to create a ‘level playing field’ for Greek businesses so that they can in turn venture out and conquer the world. To this end, I want to wish everyone Good Luck !
