ATHENS – The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Athens Stock Exchange, announced its 31st annual Greek Economic Summit (GES) “Forging Ahead in Challenging Times,” to be held digitally on December 1-3. The Summit will also be held in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Atlantic Council. 

To register and to view the latest agenda and speakers list please visit here:  https://www.amcham.gr/events/event/greek-economic-summit/.

Having established itself as a national institution, for three consecutive decades GES has delivered agenda setting discussions and attracted the elite of the political, diplomatic, academic, and business communities in Greece, Europe and the US. This year over 3,500 delegates are anticipated to participate.

Set against the backdrop of COVID, this year’s summit will explore Greece’s dynamic efforts to overcome the impact of the economic disruption caused by the global pandemic and establish the necessary mechanisms and reforms to transform the crisis into an opportunity for sustainable growth. Emphasis will also be given to Greece's efforts to close the investment gap and transition from a tourist reliant economy by expanding its economic footprint in key areas such as energy, healthcare, logistics and technology.

A highlight of this year’s event will be a roundtable discussion featuring Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce, Myron Brilliant and the CEOs of leading multinationals: Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer; Andre Calantzopoulos, CEO of Philip Morris International; and Punit Renjen, Global CEO of Deloitte. The discussion, on Wednesday, December 2, will be moderated by the President of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, Nikolaos Bakatselos.

"Over the past 31 years, GES has become a reference point for the economic and political developments of the country,” said the President of the American-Hellenic Chamber, Nikolaos Bakatselos. "As we try to navigate these challenging times, the Summit and the Chamber’s year-round work to enhance economic, business, and trade collaboration has become more important than ever in support of Greece’s prospects for a recovery.”

Managing Director of the Chamber Elias Spirtounias said: “We have formed an exceptional agenda for the summit this year with an extraordinary lineup of speakers from both sides of the Atlantic. Building upon the Chamber’s mission to foster growth opportunities between Greece and the US, GES 2020 will devote much of its content to advancing US-Greece business, investment and trade relations for the benefit of not only the two countries but for the wider Southeast European region.”

The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Athens Stock Exchange, hosts its 31st annual Greek Economic Summit (GES) “Forging Ahead in Challenging Times,” Dec. 1-3. (Photo: American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce)

Keynote speakers also include:

•           Geoffrey Pyatt, U.S. Ambassador to Greece

•           Margaritis Schinas, VP European Commission

•           Christos Staikouras, Minister of Finance

•           Giannis Stournaras, Governor, Bank of Greece

•           Adam Boehler, CEO, International Development Finance Corporation

•           Gus Bilirakis, Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives

•           Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, President, “Greece 2021” Committee

•           Kimberly Reed, President & Chairman, Export-Import Bank of the United States

•           Marjorie Chorlins, Senior VP European Affairs, US Chamber of Commerce

•           Alexis Patelis, Chief Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister

•           Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of Digital Governance

•           Kostis Hatzidakis, Minister of Environment & Energy

•           Michael Kratsios, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, U.S.       Department of State

•           Susan Danger, CEO, American Chamber of Commerce to the EU

•           Benjamin Haddad, Director, Future Europe Initiative, Atlantic Council

•           Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California

•           Marina Hatsopoulos, Chair Board, Levitronix

•           Harris Pastides, Distinguished President Emeritus, University of South Carolina

•           Drake Behrakis, President Marwick Associates

•           Nicholas Burns, Professor, Harvard Kennedy School, Former US Ambassador to Greece & NATO

About the Chamber:

Established in 1932, the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest and most active American Chambers in Europe.  With a corporate membership of some 1,000 companies operating in Greece, including American companies doing business in Greece and Greek enterprises doing business in or with the U.S., the Chamber continues to encourage and facilitate trade, investment and partnerships from both sides of the Atlantic.  The Chamber is a fully accredited member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC, and affiliated with the European Council of American Chambers of Commerce.