The business delegation accompanying the President of the Republic on his state visit to Greece had two business seminars in Thessaloniki, the greatest industrial and trade centre of Northern Greece on Wednesday, May 26.

The delegation left Athens in early morning and first paid a visit to HELEXPO, the greatest fair organising centre in Greece in order to consider the possibilities of participating in fairs organised in Greece and on the Balkans. This was followed by a business seminar in the Chamber of Commerce and industry of Thessaloniki.

After a short break, the business delegation participated in the opening ceremony of the Estonian Honorary Consulate. The Consulate was opened by Mihkel Pärnoja, the Minister of Economic Affairs. The Consulate is situated in the very heart of the city and will hopefully be the first address for Estonians looking for business partners and better contact with the local administration, Minister Pärnoja hoped in his speech.

In the afternoon, Estonia and her economic opportunities were introduced in the Thessaloniki Industry Federation. The Greek businessmen were especially interested in the Estonian experience of transit and the opportunities transit has to offer.

On the dinner hosted by George A. Honeos, the brand new Honorary Consul of Estonia, the delegation summed the day up as busy and successful.

The delegation returned to Athens for midnight.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 28, 1999

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