HEPO - Hellenic Foreign Trade Board

http://www.hepo.gr/

The Hellenic Foreign Trade Board (HEPO) is a non-profit public liability company coming under the auspices of the Ministry of National Economy.

HEPO is managed by a Board of Directors which consists of representatives from the Ministry of National Economy and Finance as well as representatives from trade associations involved in exports.

HEPO's headquarters are located in Athens and it has a branch office in Thessaloniki. In total HEPO employs 135 persons. It consists of 10 directorates and operates 4 business centers in Paris, Antwerp, Alexandria and Odessa.

HEPO collaborates closely with the Economic and Commercial Departments of the relevant Greek Embassies all over the world This collaboration enables HEPO to generate a continuous exchange of information which results in better circulation of data on foreign markets among Greek enterprises.

The establishment of HEPO has been the result of the need of Greek manufacturing enterprises to reflect a structured presence in the international market place. Its exclusive mission is:

- The implementation of the national export policy,
- The promotion development of exports of goods and services, and
- The supporting of Greek production and exports venturing in foreign markets.

HEPO maintains close cooperation with Greek export associations and with commercial, industrial and craftsmen groups on matters affecting the promotion of Greek products.

HEPO provides the following specific services:

- Promotional Services: Participation in trade fairs, trade missions, search for trading partners, marketing programs.
- Research and Communication Services: Research focused on markets of special interest.
- Enterprises support services: Consultation, guidance and information services, addressing mainly market issues, investments, standardization, packaging, trade contacts etc.
- Training Services: Provision on specialized knowledge and skills to Greek exporters.

In 1995, the Hellenic Export Promotions Organization was transformed into the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board, which reflects current developments both in the world in general and in Europe specifically.

This new structure does not exhaust itself in the mere support and promotion of exports, but it provides for the establishment of multinational joint ventures, co-production, subcontract work and counter-trade. HEPO combines a network of economic, commercial and educational activities, thus intervening forcefully in international markets and enhancing the development potential of the export companies.