It is important for foreign investors to know the procedure for setting up a business in Greece and the competent services; to which they should address themselves for information and/or in order to submit the relevant documents for setting up a company.

The Hellenic Center for Investment is the competent Greek agency for promoting, attracting, and supporting foreign direct investments in Greece.

Of course; the world economy seems to have entered a prolonged recession and markets are particularly hesitant, which, in the best of cases, encourages targeted rather than general efforts to attract investments.

In the current juncture, targeted sectors in Greece with an interest for investors are, for instance, tourism, renewable energy sources, research and development, organic farming, I.T., communication technology, etc.

The reasons that render Greece such an attractive area for investments are, among other things, its economic and political stability within the Eurozone, easy access to important emerging markets in the Balkans, where Greek companies are omnipresent, significant investment incentives, a highly productive and well-trained workforce, modern infrastructure, strong tourism with more than 14 million tourists annually, a unique working and living environment, etc.

Some useful websites for more information on investment opportunities in Greece and the relevant procedures are:

1.             The Hellenic Center for Investment:    www.elke.gr

2.             The Ministry of Development: www.ypan.gr

3.             The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Athens:  www.acci.gr

4.             The Hellenic Organization of Small Medium-Sized Entrerprises and Handicraft:  www.eommex.gr

5.             The Ministry of Economy and Finance:  www.e-forologia.gr,  www.taxisnet.gr