“Greece and Germany, fellow travellers in the economy”, was the message of the anniversary event of the Hellenic-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry to complete 100 years since its creation.
An invitation to the business communities of Greece and Germany to intensify their cooperation initiatives with the aim of strengthening both economies, was addressed by the Minister of State, Mr. Makis Voridis and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for Economic Diplomacy and External Affairs, Mr. Costas Fragogiannis.
During the event, which took place after the closing of the annual ordinary general meeting of the members of the body, the Member of Parliament B3 for the Athens South Sector and Head of Finance and Development of SYRIZA – PS, Mr. Klaus, referred to the data, which strengthen the economic cooperation between Greece and Germany, the representative of the Central Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry and member of the Executive Board of the body, Dr. Ilja Nothnagel, focused on how the reforms support the positive course of the Greek economy and the representative of the European German Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Michael Kern, focused on the role played by the German Hellenic Chamber in strengthening the economic relations of the two countries.
In particular, Makis Voridis, in a greeting he addressed as the representative of the President of the Greek Government, praised the role of the Hellenic-German Chamber in strengthening economic relations between the two areas, and focused on the dynamics of bilateral cooperation. synergies within the European Union, although he noted that relations between Greece and Germany have a long history and are currently at a very good level. As he characteristically stated, “Greece and Germany have before them many important opportunities to further deepen and expand their investment horizons. They, of course, also have challenges to face,” he added, while expressing his assessment of that investment interest will continue in many sectors such as maritime transport, medicine, tourism, RES, agri-food and energy.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for Economic Diplomacy and External Affairs, Costas Fragogiannis, through a video message, after congratulating the Hellenic-German Chamber for highlighting the special economic ties that the two economies have developed over the last 100 years, stressed that “we all share a common vision, strengthening our countries’ strategic cooperation, community prosperity and sustainable development”. He also cited data on the common economic, technological and trade progress of the two areas, emphasizing the complementary nature of their economies, Greece’s strong export interest in Germany and Germany’s high position in foreign direct investment in Greece, especially in green energy, circular economy, digital technologies, supply chain, electric mobility and maritime transport. In another part of his reports, he expressed the hope that this year’s events for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Hellenic-German Chamber, in combination with Germany’s participation in the 88th TIF as a guest country, would open new channels of communication and cooperation between the two places. Finally, he extended an invitation to entrepreneurs and investors to actively participate, through cooperative ventures, in a common path of transformation of Greece and Germany.
N. Pappas: Continue efficient cooperation of the Chamber for the benefit of both peoples
Sir. Nikos Pappas, in his greeting as representative of the Leader of the Official Opposition and President of SYRIZA – PS, pointed out the need to continue the efficient cooperation of the Chamber for the benefit of both peoples, noting that the evidence proves the crucial role of this interconnection, especially in the areas of investments, the exchange of know-how and tourism, which prescribe a greater expansion of bilateral relations “to deepen our common home – Europe – as we live in a world with strong turbulence”, he said characteristically. He added, in fact, that Greece can follow in Germany’s footsteps on issues such as the pluralism of the banking system and support for SMEs.
Placed at the event was the representative of the Central Union of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), member of the organization’s Executive Board and from January 1, 2025 the new General Director of the German Hellenic Chamber, Dr. Ilja Nothnagel, congratulates on behalf of the Central Union of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), but also personally, the Hellenic-German Chamber on the 100th anniversary of its foundation, characterizing its action as particularly notable. “AHK Greece can look back with pride on the many good – and sometimes difficult – years of its history. AHK will continue to be an important actor in supporting economic relations between Germany and Greece, as well as an important member of the global network of 150 bilateral chambers of commerce, delegations and representative offices in 93 countries,” he said. At another point in his statement, commenting on the Greek economy, he highlighted that the signs for its direction are positive. As he characteristically said, “the reforms are bearing fruit and Athens will vigorously support the improvement of the already good bilateral economic cooperation. German companies in Greece are recording significant successes, while at the same time remaining loyal to the country even in times of crisis. Today , are in a privileged position to benefit from the development of the economy, together with their Greek partners. Geostrategically, the country is in an ideal position to become a logistics hub in Southeast Europe and, in general, to assume a central role in the region. .” Finally, he noted that “DIHK thanks the members, the board of directors with its president Vassilis Gounaris, the former members of the board of directors, the General Director, Dr. Athanasios Kelemi and his dedicated team, for their commitment. AHK Greece as a strong partner for the Greek-German economy. All the best and good luck in the next hundred years,” he added.
The representative of the German European Bilateral Chambers, Mr. Michael Kern, speaking from the stage of the event, expressed on behalf of all the Chambers represented in Europe, his warm congratulations to the German Hellenic Chamber, since, as he said, it is one of the most historic bodies of the 30 bilateral chambers in Europe, which maintain ties close cooperation, making it easier for companies to obtain bilateral business opportunities. As he characteristically stated, “it is precisely in this field that AHK Greece stands out, being in many ways a model for other Chambers of Commerce in Europe and beyond. With its multidimensional services and maintaining intense rhythms, but in low tones, it supports its associates and all interested companies, especially in difficult times, and therefore demonstrated great dynamism. I would like to express my respect for how much the network of bilateral Chambers of Commerce has managed to learn from AHK Greece. With his achievements, his know-how and his human resources, he continually contributes to Greek-German economic relations and will continue to ensure that the close ties of cooperation will endure in the future.”
Previously, the president of the Greek-German Chamber, Mr. Vasilios Gounaris, in his greeting focused on the celebration of 100 years since the founding of the organization, highlighting that “the closing of a century of action finds us all strong and determined to support the Chamber as a strong family of companies from Greece and Germany, offering the Greek society and economy, as well as Germany, significant goodwill.” Referring to the positive direction shown by the Greek economy, he underlined that “the International investment interest remains high for the now prosperous country, with Germany holding the scepter as Greece’s national investor. Furthermore, the German community has been setting the pace of investment for years in terms of capital flow.” foreigner to Greece”, he added.
The opening of the event was made by the general director and member of the board of directors of the Hellenic-German Chamber, Dr. Athanasios Kelemis, who, among other things, highlighted that “with collective effort we have penetrated the consciousness of the citizens of both countries, we have come closer to the companies, professionals, state mechanisms, spreading the tradition, advantages and benefits of Greek-German cooperation”.
He also referred to the five basic and equal pillars of support of the Hellenic-German Chamber and, in particular, to its members who he characterized as the cornerstone of the renowned institution, the businesspeople and executives of Greek-German companies, who participated -especially in the last years- in the DS of the Chamber, the organization’s partners, to whom he warmly thanked, and the Association of German Chambers, as well as the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, two organizations that, as you mentioned, have been useful throughout the long journey from the Chamber.
Special was his reference to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Athens, the Consulate General in Thessaloniki, the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic in Berlin, as well as the two Governments, to which he also thanked for their close and constructive cooperation over the years.