Why Greece?
Why Greece?
Greece is uniquely situated between three continents (Europe, Asia and Africa).
It is the most financially advantageous centre of the Southeastern Mediterranean and is a natural site for businesses which are seeking access to the approximately 240 million consumers in Southeast Europe, an area with a GDP of 2 000 000 000 000 euros.
By air, Greece is a maximum of 4 hours from the other capital cities of Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, West Africa and Central Asia.
Greece has been a full member of the European Union since 1981. The EU is home to 500 million people.
It is a country which is rich in natural beauty, culture, history and the Greek people are renowned for being hospitable and friendly.
The ancient Greek civilisation is one of the oldest civilisations in the world and developed 8000 years ago.
Greece is home to some of the most ancient and important monuments in the world. There are many ancient theatres, sports stadiums, churches, villages, aqueducts, baths, and, of course, the world famous Acropolis.
The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece in Olympia in 776 BC. It is here where today the Olympic flame begins its journey to the Games’ new host country.
Greece was home to the first scientists and inventors.
From an archaeological point of view, the many antiquities discovered here have led to Greece being known as “the navel of the world”.
It is generally accepted that Ancient Greece was the foundation of Western civilization.
It was the first maritime power in the world.
It has an amazing climate, with an average of 300 days’ sunshine per year.
It has the 11th longest coastline of any country in the world (16,000 km) and also has 160,000 beaches.
It has 395 beaches and 9 marinas that won the international quality award in 2014.
It has 6,000 small and large islands and islets.
It has 12,000 large and small hotels and tourist accommodation facilities.
It has 45 airports and heliports pads. Athens International Airport was recognised as the best airport in Europe for 2014.
It has 1,150 large and small ports.
It has 7,000 moorings for yachts.
It is the third most popular country in Europe for cruise ships, with 5,000,000 passengers arriving per year and 2,370 cruise approaches.
Greece is among the 10 top tourist countries in the world. Recent visitor numbers are:
18,000,000 - 2012
20,000,000 - 2013
24,000,000 - 2014
Health Sector
The Greek medical sector has a large number of highly medical staff. Greece has the second largest doctor to inhabitant ratio in the world (6.2 doctors per 1000 inhabitants).
There are 120 large state hospitals, health centres and dispensaries scattered throughout the country, as well as private clinics and hospitals that accept patients from abroad.
Greeks have a life expectancy of 81, one of the ten highest in the world.
Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest and most nutritious in the world, and is based on the famous Mediterranean diet.
Education Sector
There are 22 state universities and polytechnics.
There are 14 Technological Educational Institutes.
Higher Institute of Merchant Marine.
Military Schools.
Schools for Aircraft & Helicopter Pilots.
Schools for Tourist professions.
Many Private Universities & Colleges.
They are attended by Greek students, and students from foreign countries.
Greece, the land of Investment Opportunities
After five years of economic crisis, great investment opportunities have been created in many sectors of the Greek Economy.
Most investment in recent years has come from foreign investors.
Greece’s GDP is among the top 40 in the world.
The People's Republic of China chose Greece as the centre for services, logistics and partial manufacturing of its products throughout Europe.
Examples of Multinational Companies that have invested in Greece during the crisis:
COSCO
ZTE
HUAWEI
HP
TOYOTA
SONY
CHINAMEX
PHILIP MORRIS
In 2014 the port of Piraeus handled 3 500 000 Containers.
In 2021 is expected to handle more than 7 000 000 Containers.
The port of Piraeus is the third biggest port in the Mediterranean and the sixth largest in Europe.
