A delegation of representatives of the Hellenic Australian Chambers of Commerce and
Industry including the Board Chairs and Presidents of HACCI Victoria, Northern
Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales met with Consul
General, Yannis Mallikourtis, and Trade Commissioner, Chrysoula Prokopaki in Sydney.
HACCI VIC Board and HACCI National Federation Council Chair Fotini Kypraios,
HACCI VIC Director of Trade Arthur Baoustanos, HACCI NT Board Chair Angela
Tomazos, HACCI SA Board Chair Kostas Koutsonas, HACCI SA Board Member Alex
Demetriou, HACCI WA President Dr Elena Limnios and HACCI NSW President George
Mavrakis welcomed the opportunity to discuss with the Consul General, Yannis
Mallikourtis, and Trade Commissioner, Chrysoula Prokopaki, about a series of issues
affecting Greek-Australian trade relationships, and the business ecosystem in both
countries.
The Consul General and Trade Commissioner welcomed the news of the establishment of
a national presence of Hellenic Chambers of commerce throughout Australia, which
would serve to efficiently disseminate important updates and information from Greece
regarding pressing issues that impact the Greeks of the Australian diaspora. These include
updates relating to taxation, passports and identity documentation processing and dealings
with property in Greece.
Importantly, the HACCI National Federation can also serve as a conduit for the
dissemination of information about new online efficiencies introduced by the Greek
a government that is readily accessible to Greeks in Australia and could alleviate delays
and frustrations currently caused by the heavy reliance on state-based Consular
Services.
Consul General Mallikourtis also emphasised the integral role of a national network of
Chambers will play connecting the third and subsequent generations of Greek
Australians. He emphasised that the strength of our community is not determined by the
individual achievements of a generation of Greek Australians, but in the collective
achievements of the Greek Australian community.
HACCI National Federation Council Chair, Fotini Kypraios, noted that the individual
the success of Greek Australians is undoubtedly renowned, however, increasing
collaborative activities on a national level for lobbying and undertaking collective
initiatives is an issue that needs further attention moving forward. This is an issue the
unification of HACCIs around Australia via the formation of a national federation seeks
to resolve.
The meeting was a very encouraging encounter with many ideas shared and enthusiastic
commitments by all to stay connected
“The Hellenic Chambers of Commerce and Industry welcomed the opportunity to meet
Quote attributed to HACCI National Federation Council Chair, Fotini Kypraios:
with the Consul General, Yannis Mallikourtis, and Trade Commissioner, Chrysoula
Prokopaki; we had a very productive discussion, exchanging ideas about the ways to
fulfill HACCI’s potential as a facilitator for professionals from Greece and Australia, in
their effort to conduct business. Both countries have set up systems to remove any
obstacles for investment, employment, and trade opportunities. HACCI knows that it is
important to ensure the smooth flow of information; we are looking forward to liaising
between businesses and professionals from both countries, strengthening and
broadening our respective networks.”
