Greek and Australian Business Groups Join Forces to Boost Trade

The Hellenic Australian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation (HNF) announced a landmark collaboration with leading Greek industry, commerce, and export organizations.

This historic agreement, signed on June 18th, aims to strengthen business ties between Australia and Greece. The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) involves HACCI NF and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Athens (ACCI), Piraeus (PCCI), Thessaloniki (TCCI), and the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE).

Collaboration for Mutual Benefit

The MoU establishes a framework for joint initiatives, including:

• Webinars and joint events: Facilitating knowledge sharing and fostering connections between Greek and Australian businesses.
• Business-to-business connections: Identifying opportunities for partnerships and trade collaborations.
• Trade fairs and research dissemination: Promoting participation in trade shows and sharing valuable industry insights.
• Mentorship and policy advocacy: Supporting businesses and advocating for policies that benefit both nations.

Quotes from Key Players

Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, welcomed the initiative, stating: “There is broad scope for growing the trade and investment relationship between Australia and Greece, and the Greek-Australian business community is a key driver of stronger ties. I’m delighted to see the HACCI National Federation and their Greek counterparts creating new avenues for stronger economic and commercial cooperation in a wide range of fields. I look forward to supporting this promising new partnership.”

Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, congratulated the signing of the MoU, highlighting: “This partnership marks an era of enhanced collaboration, aiming to explore opportunities in business-to-business connections, trade fairs, research dissemination, mentoring, and policy advocacy. The MoU’s focus on organizing webinars, sourcing expert speakers, and holding joint events will undoubtedly enhance cross-promotion and marketing of initiatives, events, and activities. This collaboration promises to strengthen ties and foster substantial growth and development in commerce and exports between Greece and Australia.”

HACCI NF Council Chair, Fotini Kypraios, expressed the organization’s excitement: “The HACCI National Federation is thrilled to join forces with the Hellenic Industry, Commerce, and Export Organisations. It is a historic moment for us, a testament to the HNF’s commitment to supporting and fostering bilateral trade and professional networks between Australia and Greece. Since its inception, this sort of collaboration has been one of the HNF’s key objectives. We are building stronger bridges between Greece and Australia and creating opportunities for progress and advancement at every level.”

HACCI WA President, Dr Elena Limnios, called the agreement a significant step forward: “This agreement marks a significant step in enhancing trade between Australia and Greece, benefiting not just our members but anyone interested in business or investment between the two countries. We extend our gratitude to Mrs. Alison Duncan, the Australian Ambassador to Greece, for her pivotal role in strengthening our connections at the highest level. Additionally, I acknowledge the leadership of SEVE, whose suggestion earlier this year to formalize our relationship has blossomed into a broad collaboration among all our chambers and trade organizations.”

A Brighter Future for Business

This collaboration signifies a new era of cooperation between Greek and Australian business communities. It’s expected to lead to increased trade, investment, and knowledge exchange, benefiting businesses and economies on both sides.

The HACCI National Federation and its Greek counterparts will establish working groups to oversee the implementation of joint activities and ensure effective communication.