Trade with Greece

Trade between Canada and Greece has seen a steady growth over the last few years with bilateral trade reaching an all-time high of C$ 350 million in 2001. With relatively rapid economic growth (above the EU average and expected to stay there until 2005), the economy in Greece should continue to develop and offer increasing opportunities for business cooperation.

Traditional Canadian Exports to Greece include transportation equipment, pulp/paper, furs, lentils, general purpose machinery, and information technology hardware and software.

Traditional Greek Exports to Canada include fruit, olives and olive oil, wine and cheese, bentonite and building stone, fur apparel, textiles and clothing, aluminum plate, sheets and strips.

Numerous large Canadian firms are either exporting or pursuing opportunities in Greece, among them: Nortel Networks; Bombardier; Oerlikon Aerospace; and SNC-Lavalin. As well, several small and medium-sized enterprises have had strong success in this market but we note that persistence, committment and patience are the characteristic traits of successful Canadian businesses in Greece.

Investment by Canadian firms in Greece was estimated to have approached US$ 1 billion two years ago, making Canada one of the largest foreign investors in Greece. However in recent years investment from Canada has dropped significantly, any interested investors should contact the Commercial Section of the Canadian Embassy in Athens or visit www.elke.gr, the investment promotion agency of the Greek government

On the Greek side, the Athens company Neoset owns three retail stores in the Toronto area, which sell the firm's line of ready-to-assemble furniture. The National Bank of Greece operates branches in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver and the Popular Bank of Greece and Olympic Airways possess representative offices in both Toronto and Montreal.

For Canadian citizens wishing to trade with Greece
Seeking more information on the trade services offered by the Canadian Embassy in Athens, and general information on doing business in Greece, including market reports? visit the Trade Commissioner Service in Athens.

For Greek citizens wishing to trade with Canada
If you are a Greek importer or investor interested in Canada, check out Trade with Canada, or contact the Commercial Section of the Canadian Embassy in Athens for services & information about: markets, sector relevant profiles and trade shows, Canadian product manufacturers/technologies & service providers, research & development programs, potential for joint ventures/strategic partnerships, incentives, Canadian taxes, rules & regulations, investment offices in Canada, the advantages of investing in Canada, and programs such as the Partnerships Canada Program.

Greek Exporters wishing to export from Greece to Canada can also check out canadainternational.gc.ca or contact the Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in Toronto at:

    The Consulate General of Greece in Toronto
    365 Bloor Street East (suite 1801)
    Toronto, Ontario
    tel: (+1 416) 515 1338 fax: (+1 416) 515 0708
    email: greekeconcom@aol.com