S. Diamantidis (SEVE): Exports could exceed 45 billion euros this year, under conditions

Optimistic that Greek exports could – under certain conditions – exceed 45 billion euros in 2022, “catching” already this year the goal of increasing them to 25% of GDP, which has been set for 2025, he states in an interview in APE-MPE the new president of the Exporters Association (SEVE), businessman Symeon Diamantidis.

“At the moment exports are “running” by 35% in the first five months of 2022 and their path is judged to be more than positive. Despite the global climate of instability and uncertainty, Greek exporters continue to win international markets and this fills us with optimism. Optimism that the goal of extroversion -exports of goods as a percentage of GDP- which we have set at 25%, will be achieved as early as 2022 with exports exceeding 45 billion euros (as in 2021 they achieved a historical record, closing at 39 .89 billion euros).However, this will happen if and only if the current rate of export growth continues and the obstacles that have emerged recently, such as high inflation, are reduced. to the international and domestic economic conditions, as shown by the TCI SEVE-DHL survey for the first half of 2022″, observes the president of SEVE, owner of the innovative export of business DIOPAS S.A., who was unanimously elected on June 28, succeeding businessman Georgios Konstantopoulos.

As a consequence of the international situation, raw materials are not always immediately deliverable and energy costs for production companies have increased significantly. How are Greek exporters -practically- affected in this setting? “The delays on the one hand and the increase in the cost of raw materials on the other hand make a difficult puzzle for exporters. Normality has not yet arrived in international supply chains and all indications are that this will take time. The upward trend of cases (of the pandemic) in the East, but also the dangerous China-Taiwan-US escalation, are worrying signs for the normalization of the situation. This means that Greek exporters must increase their stocks amid inflationary pressures. The forecasts are ominous and , unfortunately, this seems to be the only solution at this stage”, Mr. Diamantidis points out.

Any reduction in natural gas consumption by 15% would significantly affect Greek exports

The European South recently said “no” to the Commission’s proposal to reduce natural gas consumption by 15%, due to the energy crisis that broke out as a result of the war in Ukraine. How could the potential impact of this “no” on industrial productivity affect Greek exports? “Such a solution (including the reduction of gas consumption by 15%) would have direct negative effects on Greek industry and especially on manufacturing with significant effects on Greek exports as well. The engine of Greek industry must continue to operate unabated rate. It is extremely important that Greece has clearly stated its opposition to this proposal, supporting Greek society and economy, and at the same time proposing its own plan tailored to our own needs. We need a sustainable solution to ensure energy sufficiency for both businesses, as well as for citizens”, he emphasizes.

Exports to France, USA and Spain more than doubled in a decade – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Asia and Africa are new export targets

Which new markets were “unlocked” in the previous years and which new markets are in the “crosshairs” for the next five years? “Undoubtedly, the member states of the European Union absorb the largest part of Greek exports. Italy, Germany and Cyprus hold about 23.6% of the total, while without petroleum the percentage rises to 28.3. However, it is extremely important for countries with strong export activity – such as Greece is now – to have an expanded portfolio, which will ensure the sustainability of exports and keep the risk of potential risks at low levels. In the last ten years, we have more than doubled our exports to countries such as France, Romania, the USA and Spain.But beyond these, we aim to develop new synergies with countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Eastern countries such as China and Japan and of course Africa and especially the sub-Saharan part of it. And of course we are working in this direction in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all the competent bodies”, informs Mr. Diamantis her

Appeal to businesses – with the presence of SEVE and at the 86th TIF – to acquire the Macedonian mark

According to the president of SEVE, Greece’s brand name received significant blows in the last decade, mainly with Grexit and capital controls, “with a bad reputation following us and being a brake on our international activity. It took more effort, but the we have changed; we have convinced our potential customers and partners of our reliability and professionalism and today we have built a strong brand name, which facilitates and promotes exports. On this brand name we want to build the identity of the products and services of specific regions, with Macedonia first and most important. That is why SEVE has created the mark for Macedonian products, which has been registered at the EU Intellectual Property Office, in Alicante. With the mark, goods and services from the region of Macedonia will become even more recognizable.We strongly believe in this effort, that’s why we invite all businesses to acquire n the signal. In fact, at this year’s TIF, our stand will be ready (stand 11, cell 5), where interested parties will be able to learn more about this initiative,” he says.

2023 is not far away anymore. What should Greek exporters pay attention to, so that exports continue to rise, more companies enter the game of extroversion as an opportunity rather than a necessity, and important opportunities are not lost? “The business challenges of the next five years are truly many. From ESG indicators to the 4th Industrial Revolution and digital transformation. Alertness and adaptation; these two elements will help export businesses to continue to be internationally competitive and reach new heights of extroversion. And having them as an example, small and medium-sized enterprises should also follow, because extroversion means growth. The big bet of SEVE and the new Board of Directors is to put more and more companies in the game of extroversion” notes Mr. Diamanatidis and adds: ” The target we have set in SEBE for the participation of goods exports in GDP is 25%. Together with services, the target is 50% and it is particularly important that the government also shares our position, since it is part of the National of the Export Strategic Plan. However, we must point out that g what is needed is the parallel strengthening of exports and the economy, and not the achievement of the goal through the reduction of the denominator, i.e. the GDP. The blows from the previous crises have been many and can be a brake on the achievement of the goal, but the fact that we are close to achieving the 25% goal from 2022, in the midst of an energy crisis, is practical proof that we can do it “.