SUMMARY REPORT
7th Roundtable Discussion “Meet the Arab Ambassadors”
6th Workshop “Doing Business in the Arab World”
Chamber’s Member-to-Member Gathering
Building on its successful annual tradition, the Arab-Hellenic Chamber held its two annual events on February 12, 2026: the 7th RoundTable Discussion “Meet the Arab Ambassadors” and the 6th Workshop “Doing Business in the Arab World.” Both events aimed to provide Greek businessmen and representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with information on business establishment and investment opportunities in the Arab world, focusing on sectors that could contribute to increased trade.
These events included representatives from 14 Arab countries, including Arab Ambassadors and Chargés d’Affaires, as well as Commercial Attachés from Greek Embassies in the Arab world and representatives of Greek companies with a long and successful presence in some Arab countries. 92 Greek businessmen representing 62 Greek companies, along with some Commercial Attachés from Arab Embassies accredited in Greece and representatives of Arab companies, participated in these events.
The opening ceremony started with an introduction by the Secretary General, Rashad Mabger, followed by welcoming remarks from Harris Geronikolas, Chairman of the Board, and Suheil Hasib Sabbagh, Vice Chairman. Following this, the guest of honor, H.E. Mouayed Saleh, Dean of the Council of Arab Ambassadors and Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Athens, addressed the gathering. Later, H.E. Harry Theocharis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, also a guest of honor, delivered a speech on Arab-Greek relations and their future prospects.
The Arab Ambassadors and Chargés d’Affaires who participated in two working sessions of the RoundTable, presented the economic situations and achievements in their respective countries, investment opportunities, and procedures for establishing businesses. They also showcased their countries’ products, highlighting their competitiveness in terms of quality and price, and their potential to contribute to increased trade between their countries and Greece.
Then started the 6th Workshop with a keynote address by H.E. Dimitrios Skalkos, Secretary General for International Economic Relations at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He discussed details of the Greek government’s economic strategy, the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in implementing this strategy, and Arab-Greek relations. The first working session began with presentations from Commercial Attachés at Greek Embassies in the Arab world and the headquarters of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The second session featured presentations from Greek businessmen who discussed their presence and extensive experience operating in various Arab markets. In both sessions, speakers shared their knowledge of the Arab markets, business establishment methods, and the traditional and cultural aspects involved. They also highlighted business sectors that should be considered for expansion and for engaging with Arab companies to increase trade between Greece and the Arab countries.
As is customary, the day’s activities concluded with the Chamber’s annual members get-together, which included cutting the New Year’s cake and distributing gifts. The purpose of this event was to provide an opportunity for Chamber members to meet, renew their connections, and review the Chamber’s activities for 2026. The Arab-Hellenic Chamber seizes this opportunity to express its appreciation to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Union of Arab Chambers for granting their auspices, and extend its thanks to the members who contributed gifts.
We look forward to our next meeting at the “2nd Arab-Hellenic Health Conference,” scheduled for June 10 and 11, 2026. To view the program and list of speakers for today’s sessions, please see below:
