Greek Ministerial Visit in Tokyo and Aichi on the occasion of the Day of

     Greece in Aichi EXPO 2005 (20 May 2005)

Minister of Economy Mr. Alogoskoufis' speech at the Business  seminar entitled :

The Greek Economy in the aftermath of the Olympic Games (Tokyo 18-5-05)

A Greek Ministerial Delegation headed by the Minister of Economy and Finance Mr. G. Alogoskoufis paid an official visit to Japan (16-21 May 2005) on the occasion of the celebrations for the Day of Greece at te Aichi World Exposition.  The Ministerial Delegation from Greece also included the Minister for Agricultural Development and Food Mr. E. Basiakos, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Mr. P. Doukas, the Deputy Minister for Tourism Mr. A. Liaskos, leading businessmen and bankers, as well as a press team, representing the most prominent TV networks and newspapers of Greece.

The Greek delegation had a two-day visit in Tokyo, which included a tight schedule of official meetings with Ministers’ respective counterparts in Japan, private business meetings, press conferences as well as a business seminar. In the framework of bilateral contacts, the Minister of Economy and Finance Mr Alogoskoufis met with his counterpart Mr S. Tanigaki, as well as the Governor of the Bank of Japan Mr T. Fukui. The Minister of Agricultural Development Mr E.Basiakos had talks with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Mr M. Iwanaga and the Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr A. Liaskos met with his counterpart Mr T.Iwasaki. All above mentioned successful meetings were focused on developing both economic ties while maintaining a strong relationship at all levels. 

On April 18, a very successful business seminar on Greek economy took place at the Palace Hotel with the participation of 200 representatives from leading Japanese firms and corporations, mostly from the import-export, shipping industry and tourism sectors. The Seminar was co-organized by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Japan Business Federation as well as the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board.

Minister Alogoskoufis, who was the main speaker, addressed the audience on the topic of “the Greek Economy in the aftermath of the Athens Olympic Games”.  The Greek Minister of Economy dealt mainly with the prominent role of the Greek business community in the countries of the S.E European area. Also, the Deputy Minister Liaskos presented the business opportunities, as well as other perspectives in the Greek tourist sector, while the President of the Greek Federations of Industries spoke on the future prospects for mutually profitable Greek-Japanese partnerships both in Greece and S.E. Europe.

Last but not least, the Head of Olympic Real Estates S.A., Mr. C. Hatziemanouil gave a presentation on the “post-Olympics” development project of the Athens Olympic Games venues.  It should be noted that the high level of attendance at the seminar and the numerous and important questions addressed to the Speakers by the participants offer an ample evidence of the great interest of the Japanese business community on the Greek economy and development, as well as the Greek economic performance in S. E. Europe.

A reception followed the seminar, during which the attending Greek and Japanese business representatives had the opportunity to exchange views in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying wine and Greek dishes and delicacies created by the acknowledged Greek chef Mr. Vasalos.

On the 20^th May, the Day of Greece in Aichi Expo 2005, the Ministerial Delegation visited the site of the Aichi World Exposition. The overall celebrations marking the Day of Greece took place in a festive and joyful atmosphere with the spontaneous participation of thousands of Japanese visitors who cheered the Greek cultural events throughout the day.  Popular artists, folkloric dance groups and instrument payers from Greece performed shows, dances and songs, embracing classical elements from Greek mythology, drama and tradition (Dance Theatre “Roes”, traditional dance group “Keros”, percussion instrument band “Krotalia”). Furthermore, representatives of the city authority, as well as people of the neighbouring Inazawa city, sister city with Olympia, who came in great numbers, participated in the festivities of the Day of Greece.

During the official ceremony of the opening of the Day of Greece, the Greek Ministerial Delegation was warmly welcomed by the General Commissioner of the Aichi Expo Ambassador T. Watanabe and the Honorary President of Expo Mr. S. Toyoda, who also hosted an official lunch in honour of the Greek Officials.

The evening cultural event, held at Global Common event site, ended with great success the festivities of the Day of Greece: an enthusiastic audience of 3,500 people attended the closing cultural event of the Greek Day, at which the Greek popular singers Ő. Kďtsiras, E. Arvanitaki and D.Savopoulos were warmly welcomed and applauded by the audience.

The speakers of the business seminar Minister of Economy Mr. G.Alogoskoufis, Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Liaskos, the President of Greek Federation of Industries Mr. Kyriakopoulos and the head of the Olympic Real Estates S.A. C.Hatziemmanouil (Tokyo 18-5-05)

 Greek Ministers headed by Minister G.Alogoskoufis at a meeting with speaker of the Diet Mr. Kono

Minister G.Alogoskoufis with the Governor of the Bank of Japan Mr. Fukui

Minister G.Alogoskoufis with General Commissioner of Aichi EXPO Mr. Watanabe and the President of EXPO Mr. Toyoda

Arrival of the Greek Delegation at the Greek Pavilion

Minister G.Alogoskoufis and his spouse with the Greek artists who participated at the cultural events for the Day of Greece in Aichi EXPO

Press conference for the Greek and Japanese media by the Greek Ministers at Aichi EXPO

Reception hosted by Greek Ambassador Mr. K.Rodousakis at his Residence. Minister Alogoskoufis, the Greek Ambassador, the Japanese Ambassador in Athens Mr. Motsizuki  and the head of the SE Europe Department of the Japanese MFA Mr. Imamura and Mr. Nemoto, Greek Desk Officer.