Deputy FM Mardas met with Ambassadors of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand

Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Mardas met with the Ambassadors appointed to Athens of the countries of the ASEAN Committee: the Ambassadors of Vietnam, Tran Thi Ha Phuong; Indonesia, Benny Bahanadewa; the Philippines, Nestor Ochoa; and Thailand, Joompol Manaschuang.

During the meeting, which took place in an excellent climate, the ASEAN-country Ambassadors briefed Mr. Mardas on the current developments in ASEAN economies (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar), underlining the significant and increasing economic weight they represent, as the total GDP of the top ten countries stands at some $2 trillion, while the total population of the ASEAN countries is about 625 million.

With regard to bilateral economic relations with Greece, the Ambassadors briefed Mr. Mardas on the Committee’s activities in Athens (participation of National Stands at international exhibitions, such as the TIF; presentation of the economic environment of their countries at workshops, organization of business missions, etc.). They also stressed the need to enhance economic cooperation. They highlighted the major potential for trade cooperation between Greece and ASEAN countries, mainly in the sectors of shipping, food and beverages, transport, and tourism, while they also noted the increasing interest of their enterprises in being informed of the growing potential for investments in Greece.

Mr. Mardas also stressed the need to strengthen economic/trade cooperation between Greece and ASEAN countries, adding that, beyond any initiatives on the diplomatic level, an important role could be played by the bilateral chambers of commerce and the bilateral business councils, which can be used as a tool for cooperation between entrepreneurs and as a means for carrying out specific actions.

SOURCE: Greek MFA