RECEPTION AT THE ATHENS EMBASSY OF SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO TO LAUNCH THE GREEK AND SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE CONFERENCE

Athens, 12 January 2005 – A reception was held last night In the Embassy of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro for the “Greek – Serbia and Montenegro Partnership Initiative” Conference and Exhibition. The organizer of the Initiative for Cooperation with the Institutions of Greece and Serbia and Montenegro is Lifeline Hellas Humanitarian Organization whose patron is HRH Crown Princess Katherine. The Conference and Exhibition is under the auspices of the Ministry of Development of Republic Greece and the Ministry of International Economic Relations of the Republic of Serbia.

At the beginning of the reception, HE the Ambassador of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, Dr. Dusan T. Batakovic, welcomed guests and pointed out the importance and significance of this conference, which is to be held at the Athens Hilton in Athens 8, 9 and 10 February. Followed by a day trip to Belgrade 11 February.

The aim of the conference is to develop contacts between Greek, Serbia and Montenegro and international businesspersons, investors and government officials, in order to analyze the business climate and conditions for cooperation. The exhibition is the ideal opportunity for business contacts and promotion of companies.

A letter from HRH Crown Prince Alexander II was read at the reception.

“I warmly thank all the business people and companies for coming this evening and for their interest in this important conference. I am very happy that you are effectively networking to improve living conditions for the people Serbia and Montenegro and create new opportunities. I am so pleased that you are all here to rally investment in our emerging market economy. Greek businesses will benefit from commercial connections, partnerships and become aware of opportunities in Serbia and Montenegro.

The contacts and meetings that are made during the conference in Athens will become a reality in jobs for the future so we have to start now. We owe it to the people of my country to create a better future and jobs. We must work with our Greek friends and foreign friends and that includes the Greek government, business, companies and entrepreneurs. We must work with everyone and melt away any borders. We are all on the same side that side is for jobs and the future”– emphasized the Crown Prince Alexander II in his letter.

The Deputy of the Minister of Economy Mr. Hristos Folias, addressed guests and emphasized that the bridge between Serbia and Greece is of great importance for the wider region.

“It is all about cooperation with mutual benefit, which will open significant perspectives for both countries, perspectives that already exist in the region”- Mr. Folias pointed out.

Some of the guests included: the General Secretary of Ministry of Trade Mr. Dimitros Vretakos, President of “Lifeline Hellas” Mr. Yannis Trikardos, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Greece Mr. Drakulis Fundukakos, General Secretary of Chamber of Commerce Mr. Panaiotis Kutsikos, General Director of ELKE Mr. Vasos Vamvas, Director of the Economy Bank Mr .Anestis Filipidis, President of the Greek Investment Center Mr. Nikos Vernikos, Manager of Alfa Bank Mr. Vasilis Karaindros, Director of International Department of Eurobank Mr. David Watson, General Director of Piraeus Bank Mr. Joanis Kiriakopulos, President of “Hellenic Petroleum” Mr. Timos Hristodulu, Director of the Television station “Antena1” Mr. Minos Kiriaku, President of the Greek British Chamber of Commerce Mrs. Irena Watson, President of the Greek Serbian Chamber of Commerce in Greece Mr. Mihalis Livadaros, Coordinator of the International Network for cooperation “CEB” Mr. Joanis Patsiavos, President of the Chamber of Trade and Industry of small companies of Athens Mr. Dimitris Harisis, representatives of “HSBC” Mr. Spiros Martsekis, representative of UNIDO Mr. Ilias Andonakakis, Vice President of ALTE Mr. Jorgos Rigas, President of “VIOSOL” Mr .Andonios Svoronos, President of Vodafone Mr. Georgios Stefanopulos and many more.

All the guests had the opportunity to see the presentation of the company “Foresight”, the main executive organizer of the Conference and Expo “Greece – Serbia and Montenegro Partnership Initiative”, which was organized by its Director Mr. Alexandros Kostopulos.

 

Please visit Greek – Serbia and Montenegro Partnership Initiative