Greek-Israeli Memorandum For Strengthening Trade Relations

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in Ehad Haam Street (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A Memorandum of Understanding aiming at strengthening economic cooperation between Greece and Israel was signed on Thursday morning by Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EVEA) president Constantine Mihalos and the president of the Israeli-Greek chamber Gila Lieber Golan, in the presence of Israeli ambassador to Athens Arie Mekel.

"In this period of deep crisis golden opportunities are appearing," Mihalos said, stressing that the memorandum's target is closer cooperation between Greece and Israel. He announced that EVEA will carry out a business mission in November, that will target the energy sector.

"The memorandum reflects the real will of the two countries to strengthen their cooperation and proves that we are not staying with words only," Golan said, adding that the aim is to bring the two peoples closer, for results with mutual benefit.

"We have excellent cooperation at government level and the time has come to pursue greater involvement by the private sector as well," the Israeli ambassador said, who termed as dramatic the improvement in bilateral relations over the past years, despite the extremely serious economic crisis, as well as the objectively very difficult political conditions due to the two elections and the change of parties in power.

The value of Greek exports amounted to 148 million euros in 2011, increasing by 50 percent compared to 2010, as against 135.89 million euros of imports from Israel.

The number of Israeli tourists visiting Greece in 2011 amounted to 380,000, compared to 280,000 in 2010, while 2012 is also expected to close with a considerable increase. In parallel, new direct charter flights to and from Tel Aviv were inaugurated in 2011. (amna)