By Ilias Karagiannis
Australia is steadily emerging as a strategic partner for the Greek business community, thanks to its stable economy, demand for innovative solutions, and the presence of a dynamic Greek diaspora with deep knowledge of local conditions.
These are the conclusions drawn from an interview of the President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Vassilis Korkidis, with The Greek Herald.
The president of the PCCI shares his assessments regarding the prospects for cooperation between Greek and Australian businesses in fields such as renewable energy, health technology, agri-food, and infrastructure.
Particular reference is made to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the HACCI National Federation and the initiatives undertaken by the PCCI to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their efforts to enhance their international presence. As he highlights, the role of the diaspora is not merely supportive but strategic.
Which are the key sectors in which PCCI members could expand into Australia over the next three years? Do you have specific examples of companies, aside from Metlen which has already successfully entered the Australian market, that have expressed interest?
Australia offers a favourable business environment for Greek companies seeking international expansion. With the support of organisations such as the PCCI, the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI), and other bodies, Greek businesses can take advantage of opportunities in the Australian market in areas such as renewable energy, health technology, IT, food, and infrastructure. These are core areas in which Greek companies can operate.
Let us not forget that Australia is actively pursuing a transition to clean energy sources, offering a favourable environment for investment. Beyond Metlen Energy & Metals, there are other Greek companies in the sector which, I believe, are keen to expand into this specific market.
Additionally, demand for digital healthcare solutions and biotechnological innovations is growing in Australia. Greek start-ups such as Advantis Medical Imaging, which provides AI-powered radiology software, and PD Neurotechnology, which develops portable solutions for monitoring Parkinson’s disease, show significant prospects for collaboration and investment in the Australian market.
Australia also recognises the value of innovative technological solutions. There is a multitude of Greek companies specialising in AI solutions for shipping and agriculture, which are capable of expanding into the Australian market, taking advantage of the demand for advanced technologies.
Let us not leave out gastronomy. Greek cuisine and agricultural products are in high demand in Australia, with an emphasis on quality rather than quantity, in line with local market needs.
Finally, infrastructure and construction are also broad areas of interest. Greek companies with experience in construction and infrastructure can explore opportunities for collaboration on infrastructure projects, making use of their expertise and experience from major projects. There is accumulated experience from projects in the Balkans and in Arab countries.
Has the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HACCI already led to practical collaborations or joint initiatives? What are the next steps, and have specific areas of cooperation been identified?
The MoU signed on 18 June 2024, which aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Greece and Australia, provides PCCI members with unique opportunities to network with entrepreneurs and professionals of Greek origin in Australia, to participate in joint events and seminars promoting innovation and business opportunities, and to take part in B2B trade missions with the PCCI, Enterprise Greece, and HACCI.
What are the main obstacles or challenges Greek companies face when attempting to enter the Australian market? How might these be overcome?
Greek companies seeking to penetrate the Australian market face a number of significant obstacles and challenges, related both to structural differences and to the objective limitations of geographical and operational distance. It is clear that physical distance increases transport costs, delivery times, and difficulties with after-sales support—particularly problematic for small businesses exporting perishable products.
Moreover, Australia enforces very strict quality specifications, standards, and regulations (e.g., for food, pharmaceuticals, and technology). We must also consider the differences in consumer preferences among Australians.
For Greek market penetration to succeed, it is necessary to develop local partnerships/distributors or warehousing hubs through strategic collaboration with Australian companies or Greek Australian entrepreneurs. The latter have inside knowledge of both the emerging opportunities and the challenges they face daily as residents of the Australian market.
PCCI, as part of its ongoing agenda to implement policies enhancing business extroversion, strongly supports the development of synergies aimed at expanding business activities and overcoming problems found in local markets.
We should also note that many Greek SMEs lack sufficient information on the prospects, demand, competition, and consumer habits of the Australian market. This makes collaboration with export bodies and Chambers essential, as well as participation in B2B trade missions through PCCI, Enterprise Greece, or HACCI.
How do you assess the role of the Greek diaspora in Australia as a gateway for Greek products and services? Are there any plans for a business mission to Australia with PCCI members?
“Strategic”… The answer is one word, and its meaning encapsulates the role the Greek diaspora can play. I believe it possesses an extensive network of professionals and entrepreneurs capable of facilitating connections with potential partners and clients in Australia. They understand the business particularities and can act as ambassadors promoting Greek products and services, enhancing their visibility and acceptance in the local market.
The PCCI, in cooperation with other Greek organisations, has expressed interest in organising business missions to Australia.
Which markets are currently the focus of investment interest among PCCI members, based on your data?
Beyond the Australian market, it is evident that PCCI members are keeping a close eye on global markets. This has become increasingly apparent through the keen interest in the conclusions and actions following business and diplomatic visits—not only to parts of China, but also to countries in Asia, Africa, and even India and Indonesia.
The Chamber maintains “open doors” to any and all business or diplomatic delegations willing to visit, aiming to establish a “basic bridge” for two-way information exchange through cooperation with relevant Chambers and the signing of MoUs. The Chamber provides the “base.”
Finally, you and the PCCI have led numerous initiatives to support extroversion and SMEs. What are the Chamber’s main goals for the remainder of 2025?
The extroverted momentum of the Greek economy has developed, but this alone is not enough—and we certainly cannot rest easy at this time, when the global economy is facing the shocks of a global economic war.
It is obvious that the challenges remain high, but at the same time, shifts in global trade policy are creating new challenges for export-oriented businesses, which must now operate under less predictable and more competitive conditions.
In essence, we must safeguard and support the outward-looking nature of Greek enterprises—especially SMEs operating in a challenging environment.
This year, the Chamber has scheduled a series of actions aimed at strengthening their competitiveness and visibility in international markets. To this end, it has also decided to participate in all international exhibitions and forums relevant to the growth of Greek exports.
