Mr. Minister,
Madam Ambassador,
Presidents of Business Associations and Chambers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is perhaps a cliché to express one’s pleasure at being at an event such as this. But allow me, beyond the diplomatic courtesies, to express my sincere satisfaction at the Go International business forum in Moscow, which crowns the joint efforts and joint will of Russia and Greece to deepen their already excellent relations.
A month and a half ago, the 8th Greek-Russian Joint Interministerial Committee met in Athens, with state delegations from both countries looking at bilateral issues, seeking and finding solutions to problems and, in the end, facilitating progress in bilateral political, economic and cultural relations. At this point I must note that Greek-Russian cultural relations are excellent, and with that as a foundation, we are working to make economic and trade relations correspond to our aspirations and the historical depth of the relations between the two peoples.
On 12 April, in Athens, addressing the 8th meeting of the Greek-Russian Business Council, at the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), I stressed the Greek government’s particular goal of promoting – to the highest possible mutually beneficial level, the economic and commercial relations between the two countries. I noted then that the basic institutional framework for the development of joint business platforms has already been completed: Our agreement on avoidance of double taxation and cracking down on tax evasion has been in effect since 2007.
However, I must admit that I did not foresee the magnitude of the response of Greek and Russian enterprises to today’s event. The thirst and willingness to participate in today’s Go International reaffirms the aspirations for a qualitative leap in our bilateral trade and investment relations.
The statistics on today’s event are impressive. The number of business meetings has already surpassed the organizers’ projections. Over 100 Greek businesspersons/exporters travelled to Moscow, and, for the second consecutive day, they are meeting with Russian enterprises interested in importing Greek products from all sectors of Greece production.
At this point I would like to make special mention of the range of sectors in which the Greek productive base is developing. The flagship sector is undoubtedly that of food – fresh and packaged. Lighthouse products are the products/ambassadors of the Mediterranean diet: olive oil, oranges, wine, saffron, mastic, fish, etc. In prominent positions are building products, particularly electronic and electrical materials, aluminium products, iron, etc. It is also worth noting that Greece manufactures cutting-edge technology products and exports them throughout the world.
At this point I would like to welcome another Eurobank initiative related to the promotion of innovative activities and products of Greek manufacturing. In Greece today, beyond the classic industry I mentioned, high-level telecommunications technology materials are being produced. Research is being carried out into advanced pharmaceuticals. Large quantities of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are being produced. And I note one more thing: Beyond the major defence materials companies, Greece has 17 enterprises that produce space technology.
In recent years, Greece and the Greek people have lived through an intense economic crisis. A crisis that called into question the foundations of our economic and social achievements. But today, thanks to the sacrifices and composure of the Greek people, we can look to the future with confidence and optimism.
The Greek economy is on track for fiscal stabilization. The economy’s competitiveness, which had fallen off since we entered the eurozone, has been recovered to a great extent. The structural changes are improving our competitiveness from day to day, and specific measures are creating a business-friendly environment.
The old, failed model for growth, which was based on domestic demand – which was in turn fuelled by loans – is being replace by the model of an export-based economy.
From 2010 to 2012, exports increased from 7.3% to 14.3% as a percentage of GDP. In terms of euros, that translates into €13.2 billion in exports in 2004, compared to €27.6 billion in 2012.
The Greek economy is starting to reap the rewards of its efforts, and not just in words. Upgrades from the international ratings agencies, and subsequently from banks, are – despite the low starting point – unquestionable recognition that the right policy is being followed, and this will have a further positive impact in the sector of the international activities of Greek enterprises in terms of facilitation of financing.
Mr. Minister,
Allow me to thank you, because your presence here today is a tangible follow-up to everything we agreed upon during your recent visit to Athens to co-chair the JIC. The initiative of Eurobank, in collaboration with my country’s business associations (SEV, SEVE, HAR, PEA) and the bilateral Greek-Russian Chamber of Commerce, is exceedingly useful. We are very pleased that this event is taking place under the auspices of the Greek Foreign Ministry, and we are particularly honoured to have Minister Sokolov here with us today.
I would like to make special mention of the initiative from Eurobank, which has for years now been organizing events within the framework of the Go International programme. It is a praiseworthy initiative, because it points up and meets a real need: that of linking the promotion of exports with ensuring a bank’s financing for those exports.
I also want to congratulate the Foreign Ministry personnel who – whether in Athens or abroad – contribute in every possible way to the promotion of Greek exports and the attraction of investments.
Also deserving of congratulations are the collaborating business associations of Greece, who are participating with all their forces in the national effort to promote the internationalization of enterprises – what I call a modern patriotic duty. And of course the Greek businesspersons who have undertaken the major task of placing Greek products throughout the world and are here in Moscow today to create the foundations for successful cooperation with the extremely internationalized, demanding and powerful Russian enterprises appealing to a robust and extensive market that is constantly expanding at a fast rate.
The rapid growth of tourist flows from Russia to Greece is certainly a positive phenomenon. But it is also an indication of the potential the two peoples have to broaden and deepen their relations in all sectors, so that these relations can truly reflect the great historical friendship between the Greek and Russian peoples.
I wish you success in your proceedings.
Thank you.
May 28, 2013