A Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen the Greek economy was signed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for Economic Diplomacy and Extroversion, Harry Theoharis, and the President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA), Giannis Bratakos, on Monday 6 July 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The aim of the initiative is to shape a common framework of actions to broaden the country’s export base and to strengthen the extroversion and competitiveness of Greek entrepreneurship in global markets, through the development of specialised skills.
At the signing of the Memorandum, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Theoharis stated: “I consider the Memorandum of Cooperation we signed today with the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry extremely important. Because we are confirming in practice that Greece is progressing, Greece is innovating, Greece is claiming the share it deserves in the international arena of entrepreneurship and investment. And, of course, a prerequisite for realising the vision of economic extroversion — which for the government is a key pillar of progress for our country as a whole — is the alignment of all competent institutional bodies. In this respect, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and EBEA have in recent years been a model of partnership, while with the new Memorandum a relationship that was already close and productive moves to a higher level. With very high expectations, but also with concrete, carefully designed actions.
The synergies we intend to develop, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and EBEA together, cover an extremely broad and multidimensional range of actions. I would, however, like to focus in particular on Greek start-ups — this so creative and dynamic innovation ecosystem, whose heart and mind are mainly young, capable and healthily ambitious fellow citizens. Restless spirits who are seeking — and are entitled to — an outlet in the large markets abroad. We are determined to make use of every opportunity to promote Greek start-ups, and also to create new opportunities for attracting capital.”
The President of EBEA, Giannis Bratakos, stated: “The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs marks the beginning of closer and more organised cooperation for the benefit of Greek entrepreneurship. We are joining forces to support the extroversion of businesses, to make use of the tools of economic diplomacy and to create more opportunities for Greek exports, investment and innovation. EBEA will work systematically, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so that this agreement translates into concrete actions and substantive support for businesses that are growing and claiming their place in international markets. The success of the cooperation will be reflected in our ability to continuously create new opportunities for Greek businesses in a demanding international environment.”
The cooperation between the two bodies includes a broad and dynamic range of joint initiatives, with an emphasis on the following areas:
• Networking & Business Missions: Co-organisation of business forums, missions, B2B meetings and investment events in Greece and abroad.
• Use of the Diplomatic Network: Close cooperation with the Economic and Commercial Affairs Offices and the Greek Diplomatic Authorities to support EBEA members and explore new markets.
• Support for Innovation and Start-ups: International promotion and networking of the start-ups of the EBEA Incubator/Accelerator (THEA) and connection of the Greek technology ecosystem with international investors and accelerators. Support for the participation of Greek businesses and start-ups in international exhibitions, conferences, technology events and promotional activities abroad.
• Exchange of Know-how & Studies: Preparation of specialised research on target markets and two-way information on international trade developments.
• Executive Training: Organisation of training activities by EBEA for future diplomats of the Hellenic Diplomatic Academy and the Economic and Commercial Affairs Department of the National School of Public Administration, as well as information workshops for the Chamber’s member businesses.
• Investment Attraction: Joint actions aimed at highlighting Greece as an attractive and safe investment destination.
