Strengthening Greek-Australian Trade and Investment Ties with Key Sector Opportunities and New Bilateral Initiatives
More than 50 business leaders, diplomats, and representatives from chambers of commerce across Greece and Australia convened online for a landmark high-level virtual forum hosted by the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation (HNF) on Tuesday 27 May 2025.
Titled “Greece and Australia: Trade – Investment – Opportunity”, the event was chaired by Dr Elena Limnios, Chair of the HACCI National Federation Council and President of HACCI WA, and featured, for the first time, joint addresses from Her Excellency Alison Duncan, Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, and His Excellency Stavros Venizelos, Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, underscoring a new era of coordinated diplomatic engagement in support of bilateral economic cooperation.
“Senior delegates also included Maria Zografou, Head of International Relations Department at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI); Vassilis Korkidis, President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI); Panayiotis Hassapis, Executive Vice President of the Greek Exporters’ Association (SEVE); and Panagiotis Menexopoulos, Secretary General of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI).
Alongside Dr Limnios were HACCI NSW Chair George Mavrakis, HACCI NT Chair Angela Tomazos, HACCI SA Chair Alex Demetriou, and HACCI Victoria Board Member John Kallitsas. With 165 registrations and 124 unique participants, among them prominent Greek and Greek-Australian professionals and entrepreneurs, the forum reflected the growing momentum and engagement between the thriving business communities of the two nations.”
Key sectors identified for investment growth included tourism, renewable energy, real estate, technology, maritime logistics, and agrifood.
“Ambassador Venizelos underlined Greece’s emergence as a dynamic investment destination in Europe, citing its robust 2024 economic growth and structural reforms. He highlighted key sectors with strong potential for Australian investors: tourism, renewable energy, technology, real estate, infrastructure, agribusiness, and maritime logistics. “Greece today is not just a country of history and beauty—it is a modern, reform-driven EU economy offering exceptional opportunities for strategic investment,” Ambassador Venizelos said. “From renewable energy and tourism to advanced technology and maritime logistics, we are ready to welcome Australian partners with a business-friendly environment, robust incentives, and strong local support.”
On the Australian side, Ambassador Duncan encouraged Greek companies to explore emerging opportunities in renewables, transport logistics, mining, agritech, and infrastructure projects tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Ambassador Duncan highlighted Australia’s “Future Made in Australia” initiative, which provides regulatory support and funding for clean energy, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. Australia’s proximity to Asia and strong network of free trade agreements make it a valuable hub for Greek exporters and manufacturers. She also expressed support for the creation of a Greek–Australian Business Council to institutionalise dialogue and business facilitation.
The forum also underscored the enduring power of people-to-people links in advancing tourism and educational exchange. Ambassador Venizelos hailed the Greek Australian diaspora as a “living bridge” and highlighted growing two-way travel, diaspora-driven tourism investment, and the revival of Greek state-funded cultural programs. Ambassador Duncan noted the valuable contribution of community schools and university-level Greek studies programs in Australia and welcomed recent educational partnerships.”
A call for Direct Flights
Ambassador Venizelos highlighted the 158 percent increase in Australian tourism to Greece in 2023 and early signs of further growth in 2025. With tourism contributing roughly 20 percent of Greek GDP, opportunities in eco-tourism, wellness retreats, marinas, regional airports, and luxury developments are expanding.
A recurring theme was the need to establish a direct air link between Greece and Australia. Dr Limnios reiterated HACCI’s advocacy on this issue, and Ambassador Duncan confirmed she would raise the matter with Qantas during her forthcoming trip to Australia, calling it a “transformational step” for trade, tourism, and people connections.
“HACCI was proud to initiate the push for a direct flight between Australia and Greece — a vision that both Ambassadors reinforced as vital during today’s event,” said Dr Elena Limnios, HACCI WA President, and Chair of the HACCI National Federation Council. “This air link will not only strengthen business ties, expand tourism, and connect our people like never before, but also open new frontiers of cultural and economic exchange between our two nations.”
Greek Yogurt to Enter Australian Market
Among the significant announcements made at the forum was the news that Greek yogurt and ice cream can now be exported to Australia, following the resolution of biosecurity restrictions related to lumpy skin disease, marking a significant breakthrough for Greek food producers.
While stressing that biosecurity regulations are important, Ambassador Duncan noted that this step demonstrates the value of consistent bilateral advocacy and practical cooperation.
“To hear that Greek yogurt can now be exported to Australia is truly a breakthrough. These are the kinds of tangible outcomes that events like today’s make possible,” Ms Limnios added.
Economic Momentum: Trade and Investment on the Rise
One of the significant points made during the event, was that bilateral trade between Greece and Australia exceeded €1 billion in 2024, with Greek exports reaching €220 million, driven by pharmaceuticals, olive oil, and food products, and Australian exports valued at €97 million, including oilseeds and scrap metal.
Ambassador Duncan and Ambassador Venizelos welcomed the economic momentum and reaffirmed support for resuming EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and advancing talks on a bilateral double tax agreement, to streamline business and investment flows.
The Role of Chambers and Trade Missions
The role of chambers was central to the discussion. The strategic partnership signed last year between HACCI and major Greek chambers, including those in Athens, Pireaus, Thessaloniki, and Rethymnon, was acknowledged as a catalyst for closer collaboration.
Ambassador Duncan suggested establishing a bilateral business chamber in Greece to mirror HACCI’s model in Australia and provide structured support for trade and investment initiatives.
Both Ambassadors encouraged targeted trade missions rather than broad delegations, and emphasised the value of Greek festivals as informal platforms for building commercial relationships.
Chamber representatives reaffirmed the importance of business-led diplomacy and the unique role of bilateral chambers in facilitating trade missions, industry connections, and sectoral promotion. Several speakers pointed to September as an optimal period for inbound trade delegations to Australia, aligning with major expos, industry summits, and Greek community festivals.
The event closed with a shared commitment to continued engagement, closer collaboration between chambers, and a renewed focus on converting goodwill into tangible economic partnerships. “This event — with both Ambassadors joining us live — is a testament to the power of dialogue. We’re proud to lead the way in facilitating conversations that drive real outcomes for trade and investment,” Dr Limnios said.
“At HACCI, we’re deeply committed to helping Greek and Australian businesses find the right partners, navigate new markets, and unlock their potential through trusted networks.”
HNF extends its gratitude to the participating chambers, guest speakers, and all attendees for their valuable contributions.
About HACCI National Federation
The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry National Federation (HACCI NF) is the leading organisation representing businesses and professionals of Greek descent in Australia. HACCI NF’s mission is to serve as a united voice for the interests of Hellenic Australian businesses while advancing bilateral trade relations between Australia and Greece.
