Turkish businesspeople in Greece gather at Athens Embassy
Turkish businesspeople operating in Greece convened at the Turkish Embassy in Athens under the auspices of Ambassador Çağatay Erciyes. The event hosted around 50 Turkish entrepreneurs engaged in various sectors of the Greek economy.
In his address, Ambassador Erciyes emphasized the importance of the positive agenda between Turkey and Greece, stating that strengthened bilateral relations contribute significantly to economic cooperation. He recalled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Athens on December 7, 2023, during which the goal of increasing bilateral trade volume to $10 billion was announced. Erciyes noted that trade between the two countries, which stood at $5.8 billion by the end of 2023, had reached approximately $6.2 billion in 2024.
The ambassador also highlighted the establishment of the Greek Turkish Business Community at the end of 2023 under the embassy's initiative. While the entity has not yet acquired legal status, it has already gathered 200 members. He stressed that the meeting aimed to provide Turkish entrepreneurs with a platform to share their concerns, exchange ideas, and expand their professional networks.
Additionally, Erciyes provided insights into recent developments in Turkish-Greek relations, including plans for a new bridge at the İpsala-Kipi border crossing to facilitate trade and transportation.
During the event, Athens Commercial Counselor Hamid Tatcı briefed attendees on Greece’s economic outlook, trade relations between the two countries, and state-backed incentives for boosting exports. He also underlined the importance of active participation in Greek trade fairs to enhance Turkish businesses' visibility.
Işıl Işık, Türkiye’s Consul General in Athens-Piraeus, reassured the attendees that the consulate was always available to support Turkish citizens, including businesspeople, in their endeavors.
Furthermore, İshak Böge, the Athens Branch Manager of Ziraat Bank, discussed the bank’s role in financing Turkish-Greek trade and investments. "The key element in trade is ensuring smooth cash flow. We provide essential financial support for businesses operating here," he stated.
The event provided a valuable networking opportunity for Turkish entrepreneurs in Greece, fostering stronger business ties within the community.
