Europe’s trade agenda for Greek businesses is analyzed in a joint article by the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for Economic Diplomacy, Costas Fragogiannis, and the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and EU Trade Commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis.

In detail their article published in the “Economic Post”:

“Commercial transactions are undoubtedly an important indicator of the health and strength of any economy.
In this context, the effective exercise of the trade policy of the European Union is crucial for the Greek economy, given that none of the member states can claim their national interests in the international markets by themselves.
The EU is currently the largest trading bloc in the world, larger than the US and China. The international trade agreements it negotiates, manages and concludes, shield national economies against unfair trade practices by ensuring friendly trade rules, removal of administrative and customs barriers, protection of Geographical Indications.
Businesses across Europe, including many in Greece, are facing heightened uncertainty, including supply chain disruptions in the post-COVID era and a spike in energy prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In times of such geopolitical instability, EU trade agreements they contribute to much-desired stability by offering opportunities for economic growth, investment and job creation.
It is impressive that one in seven jobs in Greece is supported by exports outside the European Union. In 2019 alone, the value of Greek exports outside the EU amounted to €41 billion, employing 620,000 Greek workers. To use an example: the EU Trade Agreement with Japan enables Greek producers to export iconic products such as olive oil, increase their sales and establish their global reputation.
In this context, we continue to look for new commercial opportunities. Just in the last week, we signed a major agreement with New Zealand, which allows producers of Greek products with Protected Designations of Origin such as Feta, Kalamata olives and Chios Mastic to export to New Zealand at 0% duty and with full protection of Geographical Indications.
To take full advantage of the European Trade Agreements, our businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, need support and access to the right information.
That is why in recent years the EU has developed a number of new tools.
Access2Markets is an online portal that helps small and medium-sized businesses trade outside the EU. It provides detailed information in all EU languages ​​on more than 120 markets worldwide. In its three years of operation, it has served more than 5 million users.
The Single Entry Point is an equally valuable tool, as it enables businesses facing trade barriers in export markets outside the EU to lodge a complaint. The European Commission investigates each complaint and initiates appropriate measures.
The Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Trade Defense Support Office supports and helps SMEs to protect their rights against unfair trade practices such as dumping and subsidies from non-EU countries.
These tools and other measures to support Greek businesses will be presented at the “Market Access Day” to be held in Athens on December 5. The event, organized by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission at EBEA, is open to all Greek businesses, both live and online.
It is a unique opportunity for Greek businesses to familiarize themselves with the available tools in order to make more effective use of the Trade Agreements, explore new trade routes and benefit from the ambitious EU trade programme.”