tion of these features must be effectively support-
ed, in order to make the best of the effort to
approach overseas markets and attract foreign
direct investments to Greece. This is where the
increased weight and role of economic diplomacy
come into play, as the forging of fruitful, long-
standing and wide-ranging economic relations,
especially with countries that play an increasingly
influential role in the global geo-economic map, is
of paramount importance.
Mainly focused on demonstrating Greece’s com-
parative advantages, effectively promoting Greek
interests and supporting the exports of Greek
goods and services, economic diplomacy targets
for 2011 comprise six main points:
First, a targeted effort to get to know which are
the sectors on which we will “build”, and which are
the markets, countries or regions where this
should be done. Second, the optimum utilization
of the human resources of Greek authorities
abroad, which make up points of contact with the
real market, as well as of state organizations such
as HEPO, “Invest in Greece” etc., and, of course,
export-promoting agencies. Third, an effort to do
away with the obstacles and disincentives that
exist in export commerce.
Fourth, information and training play a major role in
regard to extroversion strategy, by providing the tools
that affect perceptions about the country’s extrover-
sion. Another point has to do with continual assess-
ment. We must assess the course of economic diplo-
macy on a regular, even quarterly, basis. This
assessment and, consequently, the correction of any
mistakes, is the key to success.
The final point has to do with the coordination of
state agencies, which has already started and
moves on at a satisfying pace.
Moreover, the path to achieving the targets of
economic diplomacy goes through the identifica-
tion of the sectors that are considered to be
instrumental ―the “champions” ― for realizing a
successful policy. Sectors such as food; energy
(emphasizing on renewable energy sources and
green technology); construction materials; con-
struction; tourism; health (pharmaceutical prod-
ucts and medical supplies); engineering and
industrial equipment; information and communi-
cations technologies; beverages (alcoholic and
non-alcoholic); and cosmetics.
In addition, seven geographical zones of interest
were identified in 2011. These seven regions are:
the countries of the European Union, North
America and Australia-Oceania; the Balkans;
Middle East and North Africa; the Black Sea and
the Caucasus; Asia and the Far East; Latin
America; and sub-Saharan Africa. The dynamics
of each one of these regions have been sepa-
rately assessed.
Given the government’s focus on a Greece that is
seriously and strategically opening the gates to
the world’s markets, the year 2011 may become a
turning point for Greek entrepreneurs, who are, at
last, recognizing in the state a fellow-traveller that
shares their targets and concerns, in a country
that is willing and able to turn the crisis into an
opportunity.
Trade with Greece
19
photo: Costas Lakafossis
