Ministerial Development and Business Congress for the countries of the Mediterranean Basin:“Challenges, Perspectives and New Financial Instruments for Investments, Business Activities and Initiatives for Development Cooperation in the Mediterranean Basin”, Athens, on February 3rd-5th 20

The Federation of Greek Industries in cooperation with the European Public Law Center and under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing a Ministerial Development and Business Congress for the countries of the Mediterranean Basin in Athens, on February 3^rd-5^th 2005.

The focus of the Congress will be on:

“Challenges, Perspectives and New Financial Instruments for Investments, Business Activities and Initiatives for Development Cooperation in the Mediterranean Basin”

This is the first time that Greece has organized such a Congress, it is expected to have a large participation of politicians, top executives, high ranking officials and businessmen from all over the region.  It will also be attended by representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament, International Financing Institutions (World Bank, European Investment Bank, African Development Bank).

On this occasion, the Vice President of the European Investment Bank Mr. Ph.De Fontaine-Vive will present the new FEMIP (Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment & Partnership) TRUST FUND set up recently by the EIB (further to the EU Council’s relative decision) to be operational by 2005.

To underline the great importance that Greece attributes to this Congress, the Prime Minister of Greece Mr. C. Karamanlis will be the guest speaker during the official dinner of the Congress on February 4^th, 2005. 

The FGI envisage this Congress to be a great and unique opportunity for the Mediterranean countries to discuss and exchange views on issues of common interest and reinforce cooperation in order to achieve mutually beneficial goals. It is mentioned that special sessions for direct bilateral business meetings are planned, during this event.  

For further information and details, please contact:  Mr. I. Patsiavos, Coordinator of International Relations Network, e-mail: patsiavos@fgi.org.gr, tel: +30 210 3232595, fax: +30 210 3222929).