Economic Mission at Region of Western Greece

Mission of Foreign and Economic Diplomats to the Region of Western Greece, 25-28 January 2012

The mission of the Economic and Commercial Counselors of Foreign Embassies to Western Greece from January 25 to 28, 2012 is part of Invest in Greece’s Synergassia initiative. The mission was jointly organised by Invest in Greece and the Region of Western Greece with the support of the Chambers of Commerce of Achaia, Aitoloakarnania and Elia. The event aimed at promoting the regions’ investment and business opportunities to the foreign diplomats and to the global investment market.

The Head of the Region, Mr. ApostolosKatsifaras, and Invest in Greece’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Aristomenis (Aris) M. Syngros, welcomed the participants to Western Greece during a dinner on January 25, 2012. On Thursday, January 26, 2012, the mission of foreign diplomats visited the new Archaeological Museum of Patras and then participated in a workshop, at which the Regions’ investment and business opportunities were presented. “This is the starting point of a fruitful and mutually beneficial partnership,” stated Mr.Katsifaras, during his welcome address. He went on to present the Region’s comparative advantages, its potential, and specific investment opportunities, such as the NAVIPE Platygiali, the Patras port, the port of Katakolon, and others.

Mr. A. Syngros, Executive Chairman of Invest in Greece, presented the Agency, the legal framework for the implementation of strategic investments in Greece, and the role of Western Greece as a gateway between Europe and Greece and South East Mediterranean.

The particular characteristics of the region such as its strategic position, its workforce, the advantages of the University of Patras and the other academic and research institutions, including innovation and technology parks, were analysed by the Deputy Minister of National Defense, Mr. Costas Spiliopoulos, during his address. The Deputy Minister noted that “it is precisely these characteristics that will dynamically develop Western Greece into a hub.”

Presentations were also delivered by Messrs. PhaidonKouniniotis (Federation of Industries of Peloponnese – Western Greece), DimitrisKalpaxis (Vice Rector of the University of Patras), Socrates Kaplanis (President of TEI Patras), Kostas Platykostas (Managing Director, Port Authority of Patras), PlatonMaralafekas (President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Achaia), George Telonis, (President, Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies) Dimitris Karavidas (Director of Development Planning of the Region of Western Greece), VasiliosKoutsis, (Vice President, International Chamber of Commerce), and Manos Skaramagas, (Operations Manager, FRIESLANDCAMPINA Hellas SA).

At noon, the diplomats visited the Patras Science Park and later the same night they visited the Christian basilica of Aghios Andreas and the Port Authority of Patras.

On the same day, a parallel session was organised for the Greek outward looking companies of the Region, in cooperation with the B8 Directorate for Business Development, Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic. The seminar informed entrepreneurs and business leaders about the tools of economic diplomacy available to them and about specific markets that may be of interest for their business activities.

On Friday, January 27, 2012, the mission of diplomats visited Aitoloakarnania. On their way to Agrinio, they toured the Rion – Antirion Bridge museum. In Agrinio, they participated in a workshop held at the Chamber of Aitoloakarnania and they then had individual meetings with representatives of local companies. Later the same day they visited select companies in the area.

On Saturday, January 28, 2012, the mission of diplomats travelled to Elia, where they visited the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia and toured the museum. At noon, the mission participated in a workshop.

A total of 30 diplomats from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Switzerland, Estonia, Jordan, Ireland, Cuba, Kuwait, Cyprus, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Morocco, Montenegro, UK, Moldova, South Africa, Netherlands, Hungary, Ukraine, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Tunisia participated at this fact finding mission. 

The participating diplomats had the opportunity to visit local, innovative companies in all regional units, to taste and see high quality products, and to discuss opportunities with local businesspeople. They thus had a hands–on experience regarding the business and investment environment of the Region and its potential.

Please download the investment profile of the Region of Western Greece.