Region of Crete Eyes Africa as Next Export Spot

Heraklion, Crete. Photo: © Andrei Nekrassov / Shutterstock

Constantly seeking ways to boost its presence and enhance local exports abroad, the Region of Crete recently announced its plans to hold a business forum focusing on developing countries in Africa to be held in Heraklion, in the coming months.

Hellenic-African Chamber Secretary General Dimitris Maniatakis and Crete’s Commissioner of Tourism, Michalis Vamiedakis.

The business forum, to include B2B meetings, visiting African entrepreneurs and local business interests, will be jointly organized by the Region of Crete and the Hellenic-African Chamber of Commerce and Development, and will address ways to promote Cretan exports to Africa’s growing market.

The idea was discussed earlier this week between Crete’s Commissioner of Tourism, Michalis Vamiedakis, and Hellenic-African Chamber Secretary General Dimitris Maniatakis.

“There are many opportunities and great export potential in African countries,” Mr Vamiedakis said and added: “Today’s meeting is meant to lay the groundwork for the forum which will bring together Cretan and African entrepreneurs and pave the way for future partnerships in areas such as tourism, construction, the primary sector, research technology and more.”

Also expressing his satisfaction with the initiative, Mr Maniatakis invited those interested in doing business in Africa to seek support from the Chamber.

“We have a network in all African countries and if any Greek wishes to enter business relations there, we can help him,” he said.