25 Sep Business relations at the pavilions – Comparing Italy to other countries present at Expo Milano 2015: Greece

It is precisely with Greece that we decided to start off this column, created with the aim of tracing a route inspired by the countries present at Expo Milano 2015 and their pavilions, connecting these countries and Italy, analysing both similarities and differences, and focusing especially on import/export data and the business contacts between these countries.

Why start with Greece?

Because we have many things in common with Greece. Starting from one of the most important civilizations historically speaking: we should bear in mind that this specific civilization was part of our history, the Magna Graecia, leaving us with magnificent World Heritage Sites, such as the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento. The severe crisis affecting the country has not prevented it from attending a key global event, Expo Milano 2015. This is an important occasion for a country that, just like Italy, is characterised by a lifestyle based on healthy and sustainable eating. “Greek Food: Sharing the Flavours of Health”, this is the theme of the Greek pavilion at Expo Milano 2015. The Greek pavilion includes a botanical garden and a range of technological equipment designed to inform visitors about the issues addressed and on traditional Greek products. In fact, an interactive structure conveys the nutritional values, traditions and authenticity of Greek products, combined with video and audio installations. An interactive tour that, using a simple language, explains the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, its foundations and main features.

Greece and Italy continue to maintain steady business relations. While waiting for the referendum, which, in one way or another, will decide the future of this country, the data provided by the Chamber of Commerce of Monza and Brianza and the Chamber of Commerce of Milan, based on the data of the Business Register, Unctad – Banca d’Italia and Istat Coeweb, shows an increase in imports equal to 14.5% last year, with a 4.4% decrease in exports.

Overall, the interchange from January to March between Italy and Greece is worth almost €1.6 billion, of which over €1.4 billion relating to the manufacturing sector. The value of agricultural products traded amounts to €100 million, of which 70% relating to imports.

In the first quarter of 2015, the data collected shows an interchange in the Lombardy region amounting to €423 million, whereas Italian investments in Greece amount to $2.3 billion, about 0.7% of Italy’s foreign investments in EU countries.  In Italy, there are also 430 business owners born in Greece.

With this first post dedicated to Greece, we hope that the situation will go back to normal and that the country will finally return to its former glory.

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