Heightened interest by Greek exporters and tourism sector executives for contacts with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba are reported ahead of an event organized by the Athens Professional Chamber of Commerce that will feature the Shanghai-based company.
More than 400 representatives from Greek companies and professionals have registered for participation at the event, which will take place at a central Athens hotel on Sept. 14.
A high-ranking Alibaba delegation will arrive in Athens specifically for the chamber event and talks with Greek government ministers.
The prospects of entering and better tapping into the huge China market via Alibaba’s platforms is a huge attraction for businesses and entrepreneurs in Greece, given that the ongoing crisis in the east Mediterranean country means that whatever increase in turnover will mostly come from overseas sales.
Alibaba’s presence, beginning timidly at a chamber event, nevertheless comes amid talks with the Greek government, and in the wake of a meeting in early June in Shanghai between Alibaba founder and president Jack Ma and visiting Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
