Greece

In the south east corner of Europe, Greece - the only Balkan country member of the European Union - is undergoing a major transformation from a country dependent on agriculture and tourism, into a high technology country.

The main airports are situated in Athens, Iraklio, Rodos, Kerkyra, Thessaloniki and Kos, which along with all aspects of the country’s infrastructure, are being upgraded prior to the 2004 Olympic Games.

ITC is today, the fastest growing sector in Greece, with the country’s key strengths being the high availability of well-trained engineers and some favorable incentives on offer.

A large number of Greek professionals have received under graduate or post graduate education from foreign universities (mainly UK and USA) thus providing a very important cultural link with these countries.

Greece offers important opportunities for the development of R&D facilities in information and communications technologies and in microelectronics. About 1,500 scientists staff the four main information technology R&D centers in Greece. A number of high caliber research institutes in Information and Communications Technology (Crete, Patras and Athens), Microelectronics (Athens and Crete), Materials (Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and Crete) are well established in the country.

Companies which have invested in the Greek economy include Siemens, TVX Gold, Boehringer Ingelheim Ellas, Dow Chemical and Nestle.

Investment Promotion Agency:

Ms Angela Michalopoulou

Research & Analysis Manager

ELKE

3 Mitropoleos Street

Athens

10557

Greece

tel: +30 (0) 1 32420708

fax: +30 (0) 1 3242079

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece. 32.8% of the country’s population live in the city, which is preparing to host the 2004 Olympics. As a result of the Olympic event a new international airport is being developed which will handle 6.000 passengers per hour and up to 16 million per year in its first phase of operation.

The services sector in the city is the largest accounting for 76% of GDP. Industries which play a large role in the city include shipping, ITC, printing, pharmaceuticals and detergents.

ITC is the fastest growing industry in the country with growth in all information and telecommunications sub-sectors. A significant number of multinational information and communications technology companies are active in Greece and most have their base in the city itself.

Athens is home to research institutes in Information and Communications Technology, microelectronics and materials, with a steady flow of highly qualified personnel graduating from its university.

In the south east corner of Europe, Greece - the only Balkan country member of the European Union - is undergoing a major transformation from a country dependent on agriculture and tourism, into a high technology country.

The main airports are situated in Athens, Iraklio, Rodos, Kerkyra, Thessaloniki and Kos, which along with all aspects of the country’s infrastructure, are being upgraded prior to the 2004 Olympic Games.

ITC is today, the fastest growing sector in Greece, with the country’s key strengths being the high availability of well-trained engineers and some favorable incentives on offer.

A large number of Greek professionals have received under graduate or post graduate education from foreign universities (mainly UK and USA) thus providing a very important cultural link with these countries.

Greece offers important opportunities for the development of R&D facilities in information and communications technologies and in microelectronics. About 1,500 scientists staff the four main information technology R&D centers in Greece. A number of high caliber research institutes in Information and Communications Technology (Crete, Patras and Athens), Microelectronics (Athens and Crete), Materials (Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and Crete) are well established in the country.

Companies which have invested in the Greek economy include Siemens, TVX Gold, Boehringer Ingelheim Ellas, Dow Chemical and Nestle.

Investment Promotion Agency:

Ms Angela Michalopoulou

Research & Analysis Manager

ELKE

3 Mitropoleos Street

Athens

10557

Greece

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a port town in Greece. The port of Thessaloniki is the heart of the economic life of the area with a large distribution and logistics capability. It is conveniently located to facilitate trade with East and West Europe and can also boast strong rail and air links with the rest of the Continent.