A PLATFORM FOR U.S. BUSINESS TO PROSPER
The Olympics’ infrastructure and a privatization process open numerous opportunities for U.S.-Greek joint ventures in the region

Greece’s economic and political momentum make it an ideal location for American firms wishing to reap the fruits of the region’s business scene

Mr. Stephanos Costopoulos, President of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce says, “We have the infrastructure for the future,” in reference to the upgrading and transformation that Greece has undergone. “The tremendous investments made for the Olympic Games combined with the liberalization of many sectors have assured the continuity of the country’s economic boom well into the next decade,” says Mr. Costopoulos. “This is the beginning of a new era.”

U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Thomas J. Miller, agrees. “The opportunities are there for the Olympics to serve as a springboard.” Ambassador Miller and Mr. Costopoulos are both working to promote new economic and business opportunities between Greece and the United States.

The United States and Greece have longstanding historical ties and today political and economic relations between the two nations remain strong. Around 4 million Americans are of Greek origin. The importance of Greek stability, according to Ambassador Miller, has converted the country into an important ally for the U.S., due to its strategic location between Europe and the Middle East and its strengthened role as leader in Southeastern Europe. The Ambassador also applauds Greek efforts to assist neighboring countries both economically and politically. He comments, “I see Greece pretty much as a rock of stability in a traditionally troubled region. I think there is a realization in this country that it has a significant interest in stability in the Balkans and it has been active in reinforcing and underlining that interest.”

THOMAS J. MILLER U.S. Ambassador to Greece

Bilateral trade between the two nations continues to be significant. The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce has played a very important role in boosting bilateral trade. Its corporate membership today includes more than 1,000 U.S. and Greek companies and according to its president, Mr. Costopoulos, at this moment Greek-U.S. relations are closer than ever. In 2002, U.S trade surplus with Greece was about $605 million and Greece imported $31 billion of U.S. exports.

A number of U.S. companies have taken advantage of Greece's on-going privatization efforts, which include such companies as Olympic Airways and the Hellenic Telecommunication Organization, and a number of state-controlled banks. Deregulation of Greece's energy sector has also attracted a number of U.S. firms to participate in energy projects with Greek partners.

www.usembassy.gr

The website of the U.S. Mission in Greece serves as a gateway for the Greek public to learn more about the United States and for those around the world interested in Greek-American relations. This site provides timely and relevant information on embassy services and activities, developments in U.S.-Greek and U.S.-EU relations, and selected issues of global importance.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Athens, in cooperation with the Consulate General in Thessaloniki, provides a full range of consular services to the American citizen community in Greece. Services include passport issuance, birth and death registrations, citizenship determination, voter registration, and notarial services. The Athens Consular Section also provides visa services to Greek and third-country nationals, including nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. The Social Security Administration operates the Federal Benefits Unit. The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services also has offices within the Consular Section of the Embassy.

Source: official home page
of the United States Diplomatic Mission in Athens
91 Vassilisis Sophias Avenue
Athens 10160, Greece
Telephone: 30-210-721-2951