Ahead of the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), the Hellenic Exporters’ Association (SEVE) has submitted concrete policy proposals to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis aimed at strengthening Greece’s export trajectory. SEVE President Themis Saratsidis emphasized that exports of goods and services must surpass 50% of GDP — a key target announced just days before Mitsotakis unveils the government’s long-term economic plan at the fair.
A Call for Deeper, Sustainable Export Growth
The core message of SEVE’s policy memorandum is clear: while Greek exports have made significant progress in recent years, this growth now needs greater depth and sustainability. Despite successive global crises and volatility in international markets, Greek businesses have demonstrated resilience and adaptability — expanding their presence abroad. In 2025, exports of goods and services reached €99.6 billion, equivalent to 40.1% of GDP.
Six Strategic Priorities
SEVE’s recommendations are structured around six interlinked pillars:
1. Modern Transport Infrastructure
SEVE urges accelerated investment in integrated transport infrastructure — particularly linking industrial zones more effectively with ports, rail networks, and highways. Efficient connectivity between production sites and transport corridors is critical to reducing both transit time and logistics costs for Greek products entering global markets.
2. Energy Cost Relief
High energy costs remain a major drag on Greek industry’s competitiveness. SEVE proposes several measures: revising the ‘target model’ for electricity pricing; abolishing the price cap mechanism; fully and immediately implementing the indirect emissions cost compensation scheme across all eligible sectors; and scaling up investments in energy infrastructure — including grids, storage, electrification, and energy efficiency.
3. Streamlined Financial Instruments & Development Programs
SEVE calls for simplifying access to financing tools and development programs — making them faster, more user-friendly, and more impactful for exporters. Specific suggestions include exempting export-linked loans from the 0.60% contribution under Law 128/1975, modernizing and streamlining support programs, and increasing allocated budgets. Priority sectors highlighted include electrification, energy efficiency, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, the circular economy, and the defence industry. The association also proposes establishing an Export Development Fund to finance market-entry initiatives and international networking for Greek companies.
4. Addressing the Skilled Labour Shortage
SEVE identifies a growing shortage of specialized technical personnel as a structural bottleneck — one that limits innovation capacity, digital transformation, and export scalability. While the Greek text cuts off mid-sentence here, the emphasis underscores the need for targeted vocational training, incentives for STEM education, and improved retention mechanisms for high-demand talent.