With four very interesting and topical topics, the 4th International Conference of the Greek Chamber of Commerce will take place on Tuesday, March 28, with the theme, “Looking towards the future of the Greek Economy”.
High-ranking executives of large companies and groups active in our country, as well as representatives of the political world, participate in the panels.
The thematic sections are as follows:
Investment grade: Catalyst for the Greek economy
They discuss:
- The representative in Athens of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission (DG ECFIN), Chris Allen,
- Moody’s analyst for Greece, Steffen Dyck,
- Fitch’s Director of Sovereign Debt Analysis, Alex Muscatelli,
- The CEO of HEXA, Yannos Kontopoulos,
- The General Director of ODDICH, Dimitris Tsakonas,
- The Managing Director of JP Morgan and former head of ODDHI, Stelios Papadopoulos.
The role of the banking system in the transition of the Greek economy
They discuss:
- The head of the European Central Bank team in Athens, Martin Bijsterbosch
- The Managing Director of the Financial Stability Fund, Ilias Xirouhakis,
- The Managing Director of Attica Bank, Eleni Vrettou,
- The Chief Retail Banking and member of the Board of Directors of Piraeus Bank, Vassilis Koutentakis,
- The President of doValue Greece and Head of Greece and Cyprus, Theodoros Kalantonis.
Closing the investment gap
They discuss:
- The Minister of Development, Adonis Georgiadis,
- The head of the EBRD for Greece and Cyprus, Andreea Moraru,
- The CEO of Athens International Airport, Yannis Paraschis,
- The General Manager of Papastratos, George Margonis,
- The Vice President and Head of Development and Strategy of the Kopelouzo Group, Thomas Acheimastos,
- The Public Policy Manager of Greece and Cyprus of Amazon Web Services, Marina Stavrakantonaki.
Digital transformation and the 4th industrial revolution
They discuss:
- The Minister of Digital Governance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis,
- SYRIZA Member of Parliament and former Minister of the Interior, Alexis Haritsis,
- The Secretary General of the Political Committee of PASOK – Movement for Change, Andreas Spyropoulos,
- Intel’s Chief Technology Officer, Greg Lavender,
The General Manager of Microsoft for Greece, Cyprus and Malta, Theodosis Michalopoulos,
The General Manager of Accenture Greece, Dr. Kyriakos Sambatakakis.
The keynote speaker at the dinner is the Deputy Minister of Finance, Theodoros Skylakakis.
Tuesday, March 28, at the Athens Concert Hall. See the conference program.
#focus #banks #investment #grade #digital #transformation
**Interview with Dr. Maria Petrou, Economist and Conference Speaker**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. Petrou. Thank you for joining us today. The 4th International Conference of the Greek Chamber of Commerce is just around the corner with a critical theme: “Looking towards the future of the Greek Economy.” What do you think makes this conference particularly significant at this time?
**Dr. Petrou:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. This conference is especially significant because we are at a pivotal moment for the Greek economy. With discussions around investment grade being a potential catalyst, the insights gathered from high-ranking executives and policymakers could shape the strategic direction of Greece’s economic recovery and growth.
**Editor:** One of the key topics will address the “Investment grade: Catalyst for the Greek economy.” What do you believe are the primary benefits Greece could see from achieving this rating?
**Dr. Petrou:** Achieving investment grade status could open the floodgates for foreign investment. It would signal to investors that Greece is a stable and secure place for their capital. This influx of investment could lead to job creation, innovation, and overall economic growth, allowing Greece to strengthen its position in the European and global market.
**Editor:** The banking sector’s role in transitioning the Greek economy is another focal point. How do you see this evolving in light of the discussions that will take place during the conference?
**Dr. Petrou:** The banking system is crucial for financing the transition to a more robust economy. We’re expecting insights from experts like Martin Bijsterbosch from the European Central Bank, which could shed light on how banks can effectively support businesses and consumers. Their role will be instrumental in facilitating investments, managing risks, and ensuring that capital is allocated efficiently.
**Editor:** The guest panel includes notable figures like Chris Allen and representatives from major credit rating agencies. What insights do you expect they will bring to the discussion?
**Dr. Petrou:** Their perspectives will be invaluable. Chris Allen will likely discuss the broader European economic outlook, while credit rating agency analysts such as Steffen Dyck and Alex Muscatelli can provide specific views on Greece’s creditworthiness. Their assessments will not only influence market perceptions but also affect policy decisions that drive the country’s economic strategy.
**Editor:** what are your personal hopes for the outcomes of this conference?
**Dr. Petrou:** My hope is that the conference fosters meaningful dialogue that leads to actionable strategies. It’s crucial for all stakeholders—business leaders, policymakers, and economic experts—to align their visions for the future of Greece’s economy. A collaborative approach will be essential for navigating the challenges ahead and ensuring sustainable growth.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Petrou, for sharing your insights with us. We look forward to following the developments from the conference on March 28.
**Dr. Petrou:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well.
