Imagination and inventiveness the key?
The Olympic Games present a unique opportunity for the economy that must be tapped to the fullest, Economy and Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis said yesterday. Inaugurating an exhibition on Greek innovative products, sponsored by Athens Business Club (ABC) 2004, Alogoskoufis called on the Greek business community to show foreign visitors that the country has all the infrastructure necessary to invite foreign investment and its successful development, along with crucial know-how and highly trained human resources. «When they return home, they ought to be speaking of a developed Greece, with infrastructure that rivals that of the most developed countries. Let us show that Greece is a choice destination for foreign firms wishing to invest and for tourism,» he said. Alogoskoufis said Greeks can excel if they are left free to apply their imagination and inventiveness. He noted the existence of many Greek companies distinguishing themselves with innovative products in such sectors as biotechnology, information technology, telecommunications, environmental technology, pharmaceuticals and precision tools. Greek universities and 40 Greek companies are participating with innovative products in the exhibition, covering such sectors as information technology, robotics, opto-electrical products, telecommunications, microelectronics, medical technology, industrial applications as well as energy and construction. The exhibition is being held at the training center of the National Bank of Greece in Glyfada. ABC 2004 is an initiative for the promotion of relations between the Greek business community and foreign businesspeople visiting the country on the occasion of the Olympics. Members may register over the Internet at www.abc2004.gr. ABC 2004 is located at the Sarogleion mansion (102 Vas. Sofias Avenue), where a host of business events has been planned for the duration of the Olympics.
