Business Mission to Milan with the participation of ENTERPRISE GREECE, ACCI, SEV, and SEVE 2025
Athens, 11 February 2025 – The business mission to Milan, organized by Enterprise Greece, the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (ACCI), the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), and SEVE, in collaboration with ASSOLOMBARDA (Association of Industries and Enterprises of Lombardy) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SECI), took place from 3 to 5 February 2025. This mission showcased significant opportunities in key sectors of the Greek economy.
A business forum was held on 4 February at the ASSOLOMBARDA building, where 15 Greek companies from various sectors, including food and beverages, energy, construction and building materials, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, transport, and technology, participated. During the forum, 90 meetings took place between Greek companies and Italian companies based in Lombardy. Eurobank also supported the mission by hosting a dinner for the delegation.
Italy is one of Greece’s major trading partners, and Lombardy, with Milan as its capital, has been a key region for Greek exports, especially in sectors like food (olive oil, wine), fashion, technology, and industrial products. The region also serves as a gateway for Greek products to the European market.
Lombardy, Italy’s most economically developed region, is crucial for Greece, with its multinational companies and significant presence in industries such as logistics, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. The region plays a pivotal role in European trade, industry, and investment.
The business mission emphasized the importance of strengthening trade relations between Greece and Lombardy, particularly in sectors like technology, industry, tourism, fashion, jewelry, and culture. The Greek delegation’s visit, along with the forums and business meetings, reinforced the strategic role Lombardy plays for Greece in these sectors.
Dr. Marinos Giannopoulos, CEO of Enterprise Greece, reflected on the mission’s success, stating: “Italy is a key trading partner for Greece. Lombardy, due to its economic and industrial influence, offers numerous cooperation opportunities in technology, industry, and tourism. The visit to Milan helps further solidify the region’s importance for Greece and strengthens bilateral trade in areas like industry, technology, tourism, fashion, and culture.”
Ms. Vicky Makrygianni, Director of International Relations at SEV, stated: «The relationship between Greece and Italy has long been intertwined with a common Mediterranean identity, offering a strong basis for cooperation. Today, as we face an increasingly interconnected global economy, there are huge opportunities for growth, investment, and partnerships in many sectors. Italy is one of Greece’s largest trading partners and our number 1 export destination in 2023 and Greece, in turn, is a key partner for Italy in the region. This well-established relationship between the two countries provides us with an excellent base to build on to further expand our trade ties. With additional advantages in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, there is a significant potential to achieve new high levels of trade and economic cooperation».
Ms. Sofia Kounenaki Efraimoglou, First Vice-President of the ACCI, stated that: “Our business mission to Milan was an important opportunity to strengthen the economic ties between Greece and Italy, two countries with strong historical, cultural, and business ties. Through targeted meetings and contacts, important prospects for cooperation emerged in sectors such as technology, fashion, food, tourism, and energy. Lombardy, Italy’s most dynamic industrial and commercial region, is an important partner for Greek businesses, with their presence in the region confirming the dynamics of Greek Italian cooperation. In addition, as a hub of innovation and technology, Lombardy offers opportunities for cooperation with Greece, which is experiencing rapid growth in the startup ecosystem. The ACCI will continue to support the development of business partnerships, utilizing its long-term experience, but also the interconnection of startup ecosystems by utilizing the know-how of its Incubator. Our mission in Milan confirmed that Greece and Italy have every reason to further strengthen their cooperation, creating new opportunities for growth and investment.”
Ms. Betty Larda, Consultant of OEY A, Head of the Office of OEY Milan, stated: “The interest in participating in the business mission in Milan highlighted the dynamics of the trade relations between Greece and Italy, offering substantial opportunities for networking and cooperation between Greek and Italian companies. Lombardy, as one of the most developed economic regions in Europe, is a strategic partner for Greece, both in the field of trade and investment. The OE-Milan Office of the Greek Embassy in Rome actively supported this initiative, contributing to the strengthening of bilateral economic relations and facilitating the creation of new business partnerships. The sectors represented – food and beverages, energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, transport, and logistics – are particularly dynamic and can take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Italian market. The participation of important Greek companies, as well as the response of Italian companies, proves the mutual interest in strengthening economic cooperation. The Milan Office will continue to support actions that promote the extroversion of Greek businesses and strengthen their position in the international market.”
Mr. Simeon Diamantidis, President of SEVE, stated: “Trade relations between Greece and Italy are vital for the Greek economy, as Italy is the country’s most important trading partner. According to 2023 data, Greece’s total trade amounted to €51 billion, with Italy occupying the first place, absorbing 11.6% of all Greek exports. Particularly strong, having the first place, are the exports of Greek industrial products (13.6%) and food (13.9%), while Italy’s dominance in imports of Greek fats and oils is impressive, where it occupies 57.7%. In addition, Italy maintains a strong position in the sectors of petroleum products (8.7%), chemicals (6.7%) and machinery-vehicles (10.6%). The importance of this trade relationship demonstrates the interdependence of the two countries and underlines the need to maintain and strengthen this cooperation, given that Italy is a stable and reliable trading partner of Greece.”
Representatives from the following Greek companies participated in the mission in alphabetical order:
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