Export Promotion Services – Enterprise Greece

Chatbot Usage Guidelines

• Supplementary knowledge base for questions about Enterprise Greece export promotion services.
• For general FAQ questions (guides, Helpdesk, statistics), prioritize exportsEN.md.
• For personalized requests, refer users to [email protected] or the Export Helpdesk: https://portal.help4export.gov.gr/en.

Sources: Services (Greek): https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/ and linked subpages listed at the end.

Overview: Promoting Greek exports

A. Information & awareness

• Doing Business in… briefings in cooperation with Economic & Commercial Affairs Offices (ECAO / “ΟΕΥ”) on market opportunities and bilateral relations with target countries.
• Day-to-day updates for exporters and prospective exporting companies on foreign trade procedures and issues.

B. Networking

• Participation in global sectoral trade fairs or large international promotional events.
• Business missions in Greece and abroad and organisation of B2B meetings.
• Promotional actions for specific sectors.
• Sectoral funding programmes with associations / bodies.

C. Training & advisory

• Training seminars to strengthen skills (digital marketing, e-commerce, analysis and entry into foreign markets).
• eExports Academy: exporter training on e-commerce platforms.

D. Strategic partnerships

Aimed at facilitating, promoting, and growing Greek companies’ foreign trade, targeting international markets.

1. International trade fairs / major organisations

Source: Διεθνείς Εκθέσεις / Μεγάλες Οργανώσεις: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/diethneis-ektheseis-megales-organoseis/

International trade fairs are a structured way to showcase Greek products and exporting companies. Objectives: promote Greek products in foreign markets, strengthen exports, stimulate public interest, develop trade, and highlight innovation across productive sectors.

Fairs encourage competition among participants (brochures, samples, discussions, screenings, demonstrations, events, etc.).

Enterprise Greece seeks high-quality technical participation so new and existing exporters achieve the best possible results.

National pavilion image and services to Greek exporters are at a high level, given competition from other mainly European countries and the importance of promoting Greek products for domestic production and the economy.

“One stop shop” model: exhibitors register, pay according to pavilion size, and the organisation handles logistics. Benefit: affordable cost and focus on client acquisition without operational overhead.

Each participation is evaluated afterwards by exhibitors to improve future national participation.

Strong emphasis on wrapping participation in promotional actions; clustering and cooperation among exporters are promoted (cost control, maximising outcomes).

Benefits of working with Enterprise Greece at international fairs

• Support & organisation of participation in international trade fairs
• Visibility for the company in major world markets
• Networking and know-how development
• Continuous support before, during, and after the fair
• Building a culture of national effort in export promotion
• Training for thorough preparation

2. Business networking activities

Source: Δράσεις Επιχειρηματικής Δικτύωσης: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/draseis-epixirimatikis-diktiosis/

The page lists sample activities with dates (indicative 2025):

The live website keeps this list updated.

3. Training

Source: Εκπαίδευση: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/ekpaidefsi/

Enterprise Greece Exports Academy

Academy for training and strengthening export skills, digital transformation, e-commerce, international awareness and networking, and comprehensive advisory support.

Focus: training, tailored advisory, and technical assistance for Greek manufacturing companies seeking to enter and establish themselves in foreign markets.

Indicative thematic modules

• Clustering
• Digital transformation – digital marketing
• Social media – alternative sales channels
• Legal aspects of digital transition
• Strategies for accessing international markets
• Sales techniques & business development
• Project management
• International trade fairs, promotional events, B2Bs, business missions
• Finance (FX, interest rate, commodity risk, hedging)
• Communication skills
• Intercultural communication and negotiation
• Sales development through targeted participation in international trade fairs
• Logistics & supply chain
• Green business and circular economy
• Family businesses
• International consumer behaviour / post-pandemic trends
• Foreign market research – opportunities/threats – target market choice
• Market entry modes (direct/indirect export), distribution channels, barriers, distributor evaluation
• Branded vs private label products; buyer requirements; product adaptation

Training seminars (indicative 2020–2024)

• Strategies for accessing international markets
• Trade fair participation – objectives and preparation
• Intercultural communication techniques for export growth
• Sales development through targeted participation in international trade fairs
• Strategic partnership EG – eBay

Export acceleration programmes

• Thriving Global 2024
• Thriving Global Silicon Valley Programme

“Doing Business in…” webinars

With embassies and Economic & Commercial Affairs Offices, online/hybrid country events on market entry strategies. About 5–8 such events per year.

The website lists links to individual sessions (e.g. Romania, UK, Germany, Canada, Singapore, Bulgaria, Albania, Spain, France, Belgium/Netherlands, Italy, Cyprus, Poland, UAE, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, USA, etc.).

4. Co-financed projects

Source: Συγχρηματοδοτούμενα Έργα: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/sigxrimatodotoumena-erga/

Participation in national and European projects funded under INTERREG, research and development, education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and sector programmes (e.g. Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Economy and Finance – competitiveness).

Indicative project list

• THEMATIC2GREEN – Thematic Innovation capacity toward green development (INTERREG ADRION 2021–2027)
• GAZELLE – Organizing Acceleration for High Potential Innovative SMEs (INTERREG BALKAN MED 2014–2020)
• THEMATIC – Tourism founded on Innovation Capacities (INTERREG ADRION 2014–2020)
• Frozen seafood promotion programme (Fisheries & Sea OP 2014–2020)
• Business outward orientation support – EXPORT HELPDESK (EPAnEK 2014–2020)

THEMATIC2GREEN (summary)

Duration 30 months. Partners include University of Basilicata (lead), Enterprise Greece, Thesprotia regional unit, and bodies from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Objective: green development through tools/mechanisms – better environmental management for SMEs, renewables, climate adaptation. Target groups: public bodies and very small private firms in coastal/mountain areas rich in cultural/natural assets.

GAZELLE (summary)

Mechanism for the business angel market in the Balkans–Mediterranean region. Partners include ACCI (lead), University of Athens, Enterprise Greece, and bodies from Bulgaria, Cyprus, North Macedonia.

“Gazelles” are fast-growing innovative SMEs. The project aims to accelerate their growth and propose policy for innovation–investor synergies.

THEMATIC (tourism) (summary)

Sustainable thematic tourism using cultural and natural heritage; strategy, action plan, innovative tourism products/services.

Frozen seafood promotion (summary)

Measure 3.4.3 of the Fisheries & Sea OP 2014–2020, implemented by Enterprise Greece with PASEKT. Goal: strengthen consumption and exports by informing buyers/consumers on quality, safety, healthy nutrition. Budget roughly €2.3 million (100% OP). Actions: events, TV/radio/print/digital, major fairs (e.g. SEG Barcelona, Saudi Food Manufacturing, Summer Fancy Food New York, Conxemar, Anuga).

EXPORT HELPDESK – EPAnEK (summary)

European Social Fund financing – two sub-projects: (1) structure within Enterprise Greece to use information for exporting and prospective exporting firms; (2) software (business intelligence, web interface, e-learning).

5. Information & advisory

Source: Ενημέρωση & Συμβουλευτική: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/enimerosi-simvouleftiki/

Information on international markets (EU and non-EU)

Links include:

• Market business guides – agora.mfa.gr: https://agora.mfa.gr/%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%B9%CF%87%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%81%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%BF%CE%AF-%CE%BF%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%B3%CE%BF%CE%AF-%CE%B4%CE%B9%CE%B5%CE%B8%CE%BD%CF%8E%CE%BD-%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%BF%CF%81%CF%8E%CE%BD
• Annual fairs – agora.mfa.gr: https://agora.mfa.gr/%CE%B5%CF%84%CE%AE%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%B5%CF%82-%CE%B5%CE%BA%CE%B8%CE%AD%CF%83%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82
• Sector studies & market research – agora.mfa.gr: https://agora.mfa.gr/%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%B1%CE%B4%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AD%CF%82-%CE%BC%CE%B5%CE%BB%CE%AD%CF%84%CE%B5%CF%82-%CE%AD%CF%81%CE%B5%CF%85%CE%BD%CE%B5%CF%82-%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%BF%CF%81%CE%AC%CF%82
• European Commission / CHAFEA – Market entry handbooks: https://rea.ec.europa.eu/funding-and-grants/promotion-agricultural-products-0_en
• EU access to non-EU markets: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/non-eu-markets

In-depth export guide (summary)

Exporting requires design, planned packaging, and certification (product and packaging materials).

Benefits of exporting: economies of scale, higher sales/profits, less dependence on the domestic market, know-how, stronger domestic product position.

Challenges: higher costs, management adjustments, competition, long-term return, bureaucracy.

Research factors: product competitiveness, human resources, financing, goals – plus target customer, product attributes, production capacity.

Adapting the product for export

Methods to assess export readiness (from simple to complex). Research blocks: (1) competing products (technical specs, quality, IP)· (2) packaging/presentation· (3) competitor pricing· (4) product acceptance by importers/retailers/consumers.

Pricing for export

Factors: exchange rates, transport, packaging, insurance, commissions, etc. Demand, per capita income, and competition matter, as do objectives (rapid expansion, gradual penetration, etc.).

Pricing approaches: static, flexible, cost-based, variable-cost-based, penetration, low-competition markets.

Cost categories: marketing/promotion, production, packaging, administration, transport, finance.

Exporting through third parties

Agents, wholesale distributors, distributors – pros/cons and selection criteria (sales network, market coverage, product mix, storage, sales method, customer base, market-research support, promotion, etc.).

Entering foreign markets

Consider: competitive advantages/risks, financial capacity, barriers, product/service type, market specifics.

Modes: direct exports, indirect exports, partnerships domestic or foreign.

Export Helpdesk

• Daily information on foreign trade procedures; training programmes.
• Appointments at company premises, mini seminars on export procedures and markets.
• Information for outward-oriented companies.
• Outward-orientation seminars across Greece with bodies, associations, and chambers.
• Analysis of ITC, Eurostat, ELSTAT statistics (desk research).
• Information on import regimes and customs procedures.

Databases / tools (indicative): Kompass B2B, ITC Trade Map, Eurostat, ELSTAT, Hoovers, Kompass Public Tenders, Euromonitor-Passport, Export Potential Map (EPM-Greece) (ITC).

Contact: [email protected]

Page links (Enterprise Greece website)

• Services – hub: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/
• International fairs / Major organisations: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/diethneis-ektheseis-megales-organoseis/
• Business networking activities: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/draseis-epixirimatikis-diktiosis/
• Training: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/ekpaidefsi/
• Co-financed projects: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/sigxrimatodotoumena-erga/
• Information & advisory: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/ipiresies/enimerosi-simvouleftiki/

Source: Enterprise Greece – https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr