Greek Business Mission in Japan ( 28 Nov. - 4 December 2004)

From November 28^th   until December 4^th,  2004, a Greek Business Mission to Japan took place in Tokyo, organized by The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( A.C.C.I. ) and supported by the Embassy of Greece in Japan.

            Nine (9) exporting companies were participating, mostly in the Food Industry (Olive-oil, Olives, canned fruits, pasta), and also in jewellery, marbles, clothes, books and music CD s.

            The Greek Business Mission was headed by Mr. Drakoulis Foundoukakos, President of the ACCI, accompanied by Mr. Panagiotis Koutsikos, General Secretary of ACCI.All the members of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry´s mission expressed satisfaction on the positive results of their business contacts in Tokyo.

            During the Mission, a Seminar on the Greek Economy and Investment was held, with the main topic Greece : ¨A dynamic economy in the aftermath of the Athens Olympic Games 2004¨,  sponsored by the Embassy of Greece, the Japanese Énstitute for Overseas Investment ( J.O.I. ) and the Japanese External Trade Organisation ( JETRO).

            Following a short welcome address by the Greek Ambassador Mr. K. Rodoussakis, the panelists referred to some specific topics on the current trends prevailing over the Greek economy in the aftermath of the successful Olympic Games.  Mr. Drakoulis Foundoukakos, President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry spoke about “The Greek Economy at the beginning of the new age”. Mr. Panagiotis Koutsikos, Secretary General of the Board of Directors of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry referred to “Greece as a springboard towards South East Europe”.

Professor Eleni Louri on her turn, Director of the Prime Minister’s Economic Office, dealt with the subject “Foreign Direct Investment in Greece and opportunities for the Japanese companies”. Very interesting questions and answers followed the addresses of the panelists.

            An audience of about 90 representatives of Japanese firms and organizations attended the Seminar.   Mr. D. Fountoukakos had a meeting with Mr. Nobuo Yamaguchi, President of The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Mr. Hiroshi Tsukamoto, President of JETRO. He also visited KITASATO University and WASEDA University, accompanied by Prof. Eleni Louri, Director of the Economic Office of the Prime Minister of Greece.

            On December 2^nd, 2004, The Ambassador of Greece to Japan, H.E. Mr. Kyriakos Rodoussakis, held a reception for all the participants in the Mission at his Residence. All the members of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry visiting Tokyo, as well as their Japanese counterparts attended the reception.