A landmark online forum hosted by the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry National Federation (HACCI NF) on Tuesday, May 27 has set a new benchmark for bilateral engagement between Australia and Greece.
Featuring Australia’s Ambassador to Greece Alison Duncan and Greece’s Ambassador to Australia Stavros Venizelos, the forum offered live insights into investment opportunities, regulatory reform, trade logistics, and long-standing bilateral priorities — from direct air links to taxation and tourism infrastructure.
Chaired by HACCI NF Chair Dr Elena Limnios and joined by participants from across Australia and Greece, the event marked the first time both Ambassadors appeared together in a direct Q&A with business leaders and exporters.
In a statement to The Greek Herald after the event, Dr Limnios hailed the initiative as “a testament to the power of dialogue,” adding: “We’re proud to lead the way in facilitating conversations that drive real outcomes for trade and investment.”
Opportunities for growth: renewable energy, mining and maritime innovation
Ambassador Duncan opened the discussion by highlighting sectors where Australian investors are increasingly active in Greece, including renewables, infrastructure, property, and tourism. She pointed to untapped potential in technical and vocational education and environmental management.
“Mining and mining services is an area that has particular prospectivity for Australia,” she said, while adding that Australia’s experience in water catchment management and desalination makes it an ideal partner for Greek environmental initiatives.
Ambassador Venizelos echoed these points and gave a comprehensive overview of Greece’s post-pandemic economic growth, investment incentives such as the Golden Visa, angel investor deductions and tax exemptions for Research & Development, and priority sectors — from high-end tourism and renewable energy to food processing and maritime logistics.
“Our corporate tax rate is 22%… Greece is rapidly emerging as a compelling investment destination within the EU for Australian investors,” he said.
Calls grow louder for a direct Australia–Greece flight
The establishment of a direct flight between Australia and Greece received enthusiastic support from both Ambassadors, with Ambassador Duncan urging businesses and the public to maintain pressure on airlines.
“I’m talking to Qantas about it,” she confirmed. “The more they hear from people that they’d like to see a direct flight, the more likely they are to move. Keep the pressure on.”
Dr Limnios noted that HACCI was “proud to initiate the push” for this air link, calling it a vital step “that will not only strengthen business ties, expand tourism, and connect our people like never before, but also open new frontiers of cultural and economic exchange between our two nations.”
Trade wins: Greek yoghurt cleared for export to Australia
In one of the most tangible outcomes of the session, Ambassador Venizelos raised concerns about Australia’s strict biosecurity regime, particularly around dairy products such as Greek yoghurt and ice cream — both banned due to fears of lumpy skin disease.
“These measures have effectively made Australia a kind of fortress market, challenging some of Greece’s most renowned goods such as Greek yoghurt, ice cream and fresh fruits and vegetables,” he said. “Despite their premium quality and international reputation, these products cannot currently be exported to Australia…”
Ambassador Duncan followed with a major policy update, revealing: “Pasteurised dairy products no longer need to be sourced from countries recognised by Australia as free from lumpy skin disease. That means Greece is now eligible to export bovine dairy products, including yoghurt and ice cream, to Australia.”
Import permits and certifications will still be required, but the change opens the door to a long-awaited breakthrough — one that HACCI’s Dr Limnios described as a sign of what diplomatic collaboration can achieve.
Bilateral tax agreement back on the table
On a topic of long-standing interest to the Greek Australian business community, Ambassador Duncan confirmed that discussions on a bilateral Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Greece and Australia are now being revived.
Ambassador Duncan said negotiations on the DTA started in 2022, but that process was paused because there were overlapping issues in the proposed EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Now that the FTA is back on track, it has been decided to restart bilateral talks.
Duncan was quick to manage expectations: “A DTA is a very technical and complex agreement so it does take time to negotiate and implement. But it’s something we would very much like to achieve.”
As The Greek Herald previously reported, Australia’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed in March 2024 to Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas MP that work on the tax agreement had stalled due to EU negotiations but that both countries remained committed to progressing discussions in the future.
The resumption of bilateral talks now signals renewed momentum on an issue that impacts countless dual residents, investors, retirees and businesses with assets in both countries.
GNTO office in Melbourne still delayed — despite recruitment drive and repeated promises
A recurring concern among stakeholders — the status of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) office in Melbourne, Victoria — was also raised during the forum, with Ambassador Venizelos providing a cautious update in response to a question by The Greek Herald.
“I think this will happen one day, but I’m not sure when. We have repeated promises from the Greek government that they will open this office in Melbourne,” he said.
As first reported in The Greek Herald, the office continues to face significant delays over two years after its official announcement by Greece’s then-Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias in 2023. A recruitment drive for staff was launched in 2023 (and again in 2024), signalling momentum — but no physical office has yet opened.
The GNTO office was expected to support tourism promotion, foster business partnerships, and strengthen ties with Australia’s sizeable Hellenic diaspora. Its absence continues to frustrate business leaders, particularly as Australian visitation to Greece remains strong.
Deeper cooperation: Ship supply hubs and business councils
The event also saw new proposals raised, including the establishment of a ship supply hub in Perth, Western Australia to service Greek-owned vessels. Both Ambassadors voiced support, with Ambassador Duncan calling it “a fantastic idea” and Ambassador Venizelos offering the help of the Greek Consul in Perth.
Ambassador Duncan also called for the establishment of a permanent bilateral business chamber in Greece. She said “a version of HACCI, based in Greece” could be a really powerful mechanism for supporting investment and bilateral partnerships.
Venizelos agreed, adding that similar bilateral chambers — such as Australia–US and Australia–New Zealand — work very effectively and should serve as a model.
Looking ahead: ‘Distance is no longer a barrier’
After the forum concluded, Dr Limnios reiterated to The Greek Herald the Federation’s role in helping Greek and Australian businesses navigate cross-border opportunities:
“Our Federation brings together chambers, exporters, investors and governments to make business between our nations simpler and stronger,” she said.
“At HACCI, we’re deeply committed to helping Greek and Australian businesses find the right partners, navigate new markets, and unlock their potential through trusted networks.”
HACCI confirmed that a full summary of the event and follow-up information would be distributed to attendees, along with a survey to identify ongoing areas of interest and partnership development.
