As is the case with the United States as well as many of its European Union partners, Greece places special emphasis on economic diplomacy as a means for strengthening economic and cultural ties and understanding between itself and its neighbors.

Greek foreign policy guidelines issued in August 1995 place special emphasis on how best to utilize the potential of the Greek diplomatic and consular authorities in order to assist and promote Greek companies doing business abroad and to promote economic security.

It is common knowledge nowadays that strong foreign policy relies on a strong economy; and that good relations with other nations pass, in part, through private investment initiatives and economic cooperation that is mutually beneficial to the countries and individuals involved.

All Chiefs of the Greek Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad have been instructed, since August 1995, to assist Greek companies doing business in the country they are posted as well as to look for investment opportunities for Greek investors.

A special Coordinating Bureau has been set up within the Foreign Ministry (named Bilateral Economic Cooperation Coordinating Bureau), headed by a career diplomat, with the task of coordinating all branches of the Administration at the initial stage of an economic or a commercial activity in a foreign country and to activate, where needed, the diplomatic and consular authorities of the country to assist and promote the effort. This Coordinating Bureau is also the viaduct of all the views and opinions of the Greek business community to the Greek government. It can also serve as a contact point for foreign governments that wish to inquire about or facilitate Greek private investment in their countries.

For reasons of better coordination with the other branches of the Administration, the Coordinating Bureau has chosen to place special emphasis on five areas of economic activity. These areas are considered as infrastructure development areas and are: (a) energy (b) telecommunications (c) transport (d) construction and (e) shipping.

The Greek private sector today has both the will and the ability to assist in the development and modernization of neighboring countries. An important factor for the promotion of the five aforementioned areas is, of course, also the presence and participation of the Greek banking sector, with which the Coordinating Bureau is in close cooperation.

While the Greek private sector is entirely independent from the Greek government, the government believes that its efforts with respect to the developmental needs and desires of other countries can only help establish a lasting and mutually beneficial economic relationship with all of Greece's neighbors.

The Greek Foreign Ministry, with its expanded diplomatic and consular network abroad, and in close cooperation with the Ministry of National Economy of Greece and other organizations also dealing with the promotion of Greek exports (Hellenic Foreign Trade Organization, Panhellenic Exporters' Association, Trade Chambers, Industrial Federations across the country, etc.) is now in a position to promote effectively Greek companies beyond the borders.

For any further information, please write to:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Bilateral Economic Cooperation Coordinating Bureau,
Attention Mr. Dimitri Platis, Director,
3, Academias Street,
Athens 106 71
or call: +301-362.34 74 and +301-363.75 72
Fax: +301-362.12 83
E-Mail gsdos@mfa.gr