sponding increase in regard to Greek olive oil was
24%. We have been implementing targeted
actions per product in each country. It is not our
wish to do many diverse things without actual
results. We want targeted actions with quantifi-
able results. In Russia, for example, we wanted to
increase our exports of canned peaches and,
indeed, we managed to become the leaders in
the local market, surpassing China. Greek
exports of peach preserve stand at 270,000 tons,
while China, the second largest exporter, is dis-
tributing 130,000-140,000 tons. At this point I
would like to highlight the importance of manu-
facturing, which can totally alter the dynamics of
Greece’s products. As far as the Chinese market
is concerned, our interest is focused on olive oil
exports, which increased by 100%. A similar effort
is made, through equivalent programmes, in the
US and Canadian markets, in regard to feta
cheese and Greek yogurt. Very few people know
that Greek breams are our No 1 agricultural
export. Foreign markets have also opening their
doors to other quality products from Greece.
Several good deals have been concluded with
countries such as the UK, Romania, Germany and
Russia, regarding the promotion of Greek organic
pomegranates from Drama and other areas.
Apart from the improvement of our agricultural
products’ quality, a large part of our effort is focused
on the “disentanglement” of farmers, manufacturers
and exporters from today’s cumbersome proce-
dures. To this end we have been implementing the
“Single Window” project, i.e. the existence of a one-
stop-shop for exports, a point of entry for those who
would like to invest in Greece. We have been work-
ing on this project together with the Ministry of
Development, participating with two products. We
will try to simplify export procedures for Greek kiwis,
as well as for a processed product, in this case
Greek feta cheese.
Hence, I believe in pursuing a quality-oriented
policy that features a shift towards certified, safe
and competitive products, and this is why we
have been strengthening the sector’s agencies
with the aim of improving the quality of olive prod-
ucts, securing the geographical indication of
Greek olive oils and olives in the EU, providing
technical assistance in all stages of production,
and facilitating tracking and certification. It is a
fact that our high quality products are obtaining
their passport to the international market. This is
why the ministry has been financing investments
for the production and processing of innovative
agricultural products.
Greece’s soil bears fruit of unique quality – it also
bears opportunities. There are people among us
who combine quality, knowledge and innovation,
adding new value to our traditional products. The
international market is ready to welcome such
efforts, and the Ministry of Rural Development
and Food is doing whatever possible to support
such initiatives.
Trade with Greece
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