Dear members and friends of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce,
The cover of this issue of Business Partners features a simple yet profoundly heartfelt message of gratitude—our gratitude as an organization and as individuals—to all the people who stepped up, helped out, and inspired the rest of us to cope with this ordeal as best we could: Thank you.
Even as we exit the lockdown phase, this remains a very difficult period for us all. For small businesses and large organizations, for employees and people in command, for our children and our parents. The COVID-19 crisis has affected our work, our daily habits, our relationships, and even the way we perceive things around us. Despite the economic setback and the unfortunate loss of lives, I believe that our society exhibited extraordinary resilience, patience and solidarity—characteristics that we ought to maintain in the future too.
It is time now to turn a page and move on, with the necessary caution but also with optimism and faith that we can succeed in our future endeavors. There are positive prospects on our horizon, but it is up to us and our mindset what we make of them.
The EU’s decision to provide an unprecedented stimulus package to its member states demonstrates a possible shift towards a more unified and solidary Europe. It remains to be seen, of course, whether the EU can continue to take the necessary measures and respond to the great challenges of the future. It also remains to be seen whether Greece can take full advantage of the opportunity and make the most of this package in its efforts to develop a new growth model. The positive light in which Greece is being portrayed thanks to the effective management of the COVID-19 crisis has boosted confidence in the country internationally, and this is reflected not only in tourism but also in promising investment interests and business collaborations. Relations between Greece and the United States remain very strong, and this is highlighted by the support provided by the United States to Greece at all levels, which is very important especially at times like this. Finally, according to the indications so far, entrepreneurship is recovering faster than expected, refuting doomsday scenarios and creating optimism for better than expected financial results for 2020.
As we move into the summer, our Chamber is pushing forward with its dynamic initiatives: first, with the AmChamGR Digital Talks & Events series that will run through July 20, and second, with the publication of a set of positions and proposals by the Chamber’s Committees on the steps that must be taken to ensure the country remains on course in the post-COVID-19 era.
Be well. Stay safe. And enjoy the summer.
ELIAS SPIRTOUNIAS
Executive Director
