The Trade Mission from Thessaloniki took place in Melbourne 21-26 November and in Sydney 26-27 November.  Sixteen companies from Greece participated in this important Trade Mission active in a wide range of sectors including food and beverage, renewable energy, security systems, jewellery and accessories, wood processing, glassware, tourism, technology and dermatological products.

The calibre of the companies and their products were impressive and in many cases highlighted Greece’s ability for innovation and market leadership. Accompanied by the Greek Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Theodoros Karaoglou and the Mayors of the regions of Lagada and Western Mani, the purpose of the mission was to explore opportunities in the Australian market and open new doors and trade routes between the two countries.

Organised by HACCI and Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, there were several people and organisations that played a significant role in making this Trade Mission a success.  These include the Greek Minister of Macedonia and Thrace, The Greek Consulates in both Melbourne and Sydney, the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Greece, the Hellenic Australian Business Council in Greece, Australia’s Ambassador to Greece Jenny Bloomfield, VECCI , Quest Serviced Apartments, TIF and of course HACCI.

The real success of this mission will surely be determined by the trade that is generated, but before any trade can occur sound relationships between Greek and Australian companies must develop further.  To this end, this was one of the most important trade visits to Australia from Greece in recent years, which boasted over 100 B2B meetings as well as a full program of presentations and events delivered by strategic partners such as  Bank of Cyprus Australia, Quest Brighton on the Bay, Nexia Australia, Grant Ready, AusIndustry and Invest Victoria, providing relevant and timely information on doing business in Australia.

Thessaloniki and Melbourne have been Sister Cities since 1984 and a welcome reception and celebration of the Sister City relationship was held at the Melbourne Town Hall.  Australia is an important market for Greece because of the strong Greek contingency which can serve as the bridge between the two markets.  This Trade Mission showcased many impressive companies and Greek products that will surely pave the way for improved bilateral trade statistics between the two countries.  After a strong start to partnerships and connections made, future projects and follow up Trade Missions both to and from Greece and Australia are certain to take place.

HACCI was able to leverage from its strong relationships with community, government and industry in order to provide our trade delegation from Thessaloniki with a highly productive and professional trade mission.  HACCI received many praises from our visiting party for the way in which our local community received them and accommodated their efforts to reach out to Australia as a trade partner.  We look forward to hearing about the positive results in due course and indeed we are already in talks with TIF for follow up trade visits both here and in Greece.

For further information on the participating companies please visit www.hacci.com.au or contact the HACCI Office at Tel:03-96022977.