HELLENIC BUSINESS ASSOCIATION AT THE WHITE PALACE

Belgrade, 11 April 2006 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine hosted this evening a reception at the White Palace in honour of the Hellenic Business Association (HBA), and received a large number of eminent political and public figures, as well as people from the business world and members of the HBA.

The aim of this evening’s reception at The Royal Compound was the official presentation of HBA, which is one of the most important business associations in Serbia, representing the companies with capital of Greek origin, which have invested in our country over 1.3 billion Euros in the last couple of years.

Greeting the representatives of diplomatic corps, Government of Serbia, Hellenic Business Association, their partners from Serbia, and other guests at The White Palace, Crown Prince Alexander II emphasized that cooperation of Greece and Serbia is the best example for friendships that can develop in the partnership of mutual benefit:

“Presence of Greek capital is of great importance for further development of Serbia. Business people who came from the friendly country demonstrated what it means to invest in the right way. Giving the opportunity to our people to work with them and for them, members of the Hellenic Business Association showed to the whole world that this country with its people could be a trusted and reliable partner. I hope that after this evening The Hellenic Business Association will continue to develop with success, to the mutual benefit”, pointed out The Crown Prince.

Crown Princess Katherine also addressed the guests of the event and expressed her great gratitude to the members of HBA for their presence in Serbia.

H.E. Milan Parivodic Minister of international economic relations in Government of Serbia stressed that partners from Greece recognized Serbia as a country that is changing very fast and creating a healthy business environment.

H.E. Christos Panagopoulos ambassador of Greece in Serbia and Montenegro expressed his gratitude to Their Royal Highnesses and their hospitality, and also emphasized in his addressing that he is pleased with the fact that Greece so far has been the biggest investor in Serbia.

Mr. Stefanos Vafidis, the Chairman of HBA said that this association assisted to “numerous Greek enterprises during the process of their founding and their further development in Serbia” and added:

“After two years of successful cooperation with Serbian authorities, we remain consistent to our prime goal: to continue the consolidation of Greek investors’ initiatives in Serbia and at the same time to promote Serbia as one of the most attractive destinations for investments in Europe.”

Except the great number of invitees from Diplomatic, Governmental and Business circles, reception at the White Palace welcomed Mrs Anna Vissi, Greek representative on Euro-song contest, who is visiting Serbia and Belgrade.