HACCI Meets New Greek Trade Commissioner Over Bilateral Relations

The HACCI National Federation (HNF) convened its first national meeting of 2026 in Sydney on 30 January, marking a major step for Greece-Australia trade. The meeting brought together key representatives from HACCI state chapters to engage directly with Greece’s incoming Trade Commissioner, Christina Stefanidou.

The meeting marked the inaugural engagement under the rotating HNF Chair, now held by Angela Tomazos of HACCI Northern Territory. Previously, the role was led by Fotini Kypraios of HACCI Victoria and Dr. Elena Limnios of HACCI Western Australia. Attendees included chairs from HACCI Victoria, Alex Demetriou, Chair of South Australia, and the President of HACCI NSW, George Mavrakis, as well as HACCI NSW Board Member Alexander Rodakis.

Christina Stefanidou, who recently assumed her position in Sydney following her tenure as Counsellor for Economic and Trade Affairs at the Greek Embassy in South Africa, shared her objectives for bolstering Greece-Australia trade and investment. The Federation's Patron, Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, joined virtually from Washington, offering insights from his experience as Australia's former Ambassador to the United States.

_{HACCI meets incoming Greek Trade Commissioner Christina Stefanidou} 

HNF Patron Hon Arthur Sinodinos (bottom left on screen) joining from Washington

 

As Chair, Tomazos stated:

"This engagement with Ms Stefanidou highlighted the significant sectoral opportunities emerging across Australia and Greece. As Chair of the National Federation, I look forward to leading a coordinated national approach that supports trade, investment, and meaningful partnerships with the Greek Trade Office and our diplomatic partners."

Key Discussions and Objectives

During the session, HNF members briefed Stefanidou on ongoing activities, priorities, and initiatives across HACCI states. In turn, she outlined her goals for strengthening economic, business, and trade relations. Discussions highlighted shared opportunities in key sectors, including pathways for company introductions and coordinated communication between the Greek Trade Office and the HACCI network.

Stefanidou expressed her appreciation for the collaboration:

"I would like to thank HACCI's Presidents and Patron for their warm welcome, for sharing information on current issues, and for their commitment to working together with all Greek Diplomatic Authorities in Australia toward our shared goal of improving bilateral economic, business, and trade relations. We are very grateful for your support."

Participants explored alignment across traditional and emerging industries, reinforcing their commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships with Greek diplomatic authorities. Sinodinos added:

"It was a pleasure to join HACCI's chairs in meeting Greece's incoming Trade Commissioner to Australia, Ms Christina Stefanidou. The meeting highlighted the great potential for trade and investment between Australia and Greece in both traditional and new sectors. In today's uncertain world, mutually beneficial economic links between trusted partners like Australia and Greece are more important than ever."

Trade Statistics and Economic Context

Recent data illustrate the evolving Greece-Australia trade landscape. In 2024, two-way goods and services trade reached AUD 2,206 million, with imports from Greece accounting for the majority. Principal Greek exports included transport services, medicines, and preserved vegetables, while Australia's exports featured oil-seeds, professional services, and education-related travel.

Australian investment in Greece stood at AUD 684 million in 2024, while Greece's exports to Australia totalled US$235.71 million. In November 2025, Australia exported AUD 4 million to Greece, doubling the previous month’s volume. Greece’s overall trade deficit narrowed to EUR 33.5 billion in 2025. Analysts said these figures demonstrate steady growth in bilateral economic ties.

Future Prospects for Greece-Australia Trade

The meeting signals a proactive start to enhancing Greece-Australia trade relations. With HACCI's network facilitating connections, future collaborations could expand in sectors like technology, agriculture, and services. Ongoing dialogues with diplomatic entities are expected to yield concrete partnerships.

HNF observers noted that prior HACCI initiatives, such as the 2025 virtual summit on bilateral trade, reported growth to over €1 billion in 2024, suggesting that sustained engagement may further boost investment and trade volumes.

 

On Screen L-R Fotini Kypraios, Chair HACCI Victoria, Alex Demetriou, Chair HACCI SA
Bottom Screen – Dr Elena Limnios, Chair HACCI WA

L- R:  George Mavrakis, Chair HACCI NSW, Angela Tomazos, Chair HACCI NT, Trade Commissioner Ms Christina Stefanidou, Alexander Rodakis HACCI NSW Board Member