NATIONAL AGENCY PROVIDES ONE-STOP SHOP FOR INVESTORS

With a GDP growth rate currently approaching 4%, a rate much higher than the European average, Greece lies among the best performing economies in the Euro zone and today has become the economic hub of Southeast Europe. The country offers a stable economic environment that is supportive of the needs of businesses and investors and offers a wide range of competitive investment incentives to the international business community in the form of cash grants and interest-rate subsidies for bank loans, leasing subsidies, and tax allowances.

The nation is also in the process of carrying out a vast program of infrastructure projects with funds from the European Union’s Community Support Framework. This has meant substantial upgrading of all levels of transport and communications in the country. In parallel, the liberalization of the energy, telecommunications, finance, and air and sea transport sectors has led to the modernization of the existing network and provided new opportunities for development.

The Hellenic Centre for Investment (ELKE) is the national investment agency responsible for promoting foreign direct investment in the country and for aiding in the creation of joint ventures and strategic international alliances with Greek companies. In addition to participating in the development of the national, institutional, and regulatory framework on investment, ELKE operates as a one-stop investment shop where investors may get information, guidance, and support on the wide range of investment opportunities available in Greece.

ELKE supports investors throughout all stages of the investment. Mr. Stratos Papadimitriou, Chairman of the Board for ELKE, says, “We are the first stop and hopefully the last stop for investors in Greece! Our people will take care of the necessary paperwork that has to be done in order to proceed, and we will offer advice and help throughout the whole process, from the conception of the idea to the completed project, and after that if needed.”

Mr. Papadimitriou adds that ELKE will be showcasing Greek investment opportunities throughout the Olympic Games period. The agency has created the Athens Business Club, which will be open throughout the summer of 2004, allowing foreign visitors to meet and network with Greek business professionals while they are in Greece for the Games, and employ the services of ELKE if they so desire.