Athens, Greece - Governor Eric J. Holcomb concluded his economic development trip to Greece following a week with the Council of State Governments.
Gov. Holcomb led a Council of State Governments delegation of U.S. state and business leaders to advance American democracy and business opportunities through policy, business and cultural exchanges. The governor also pursued new partnership opportunities for Indiana and Hoosiers, highlighting the importance of foreign direct investment to the state and its commitment to global engagement.
Gov. Holcomb attended a reception at U.S. Ambassador Tsunis residence where he addressed the Council of State Government delegation as well as students and faculty from Indiana University and Purdue University.
In Athens, the governor met with U.S. and Greece government officials, including U.S. Ambassador to Greece George J. Tsunis; Minister Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection of Greece; Deputy Minister Kostas Fragogiannis, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Dimitris Skalkos, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs of the Hellanic Republic (pictured) to discuss the growing ties between the U.S. and Greece and explore opportunities for Indiana and Greece to advance economic and community development for both their populations.
In Athens, Gov. Holcomb and the delegation met with representatives of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Greece) to advance economic cooperation between Indiana and Greece. AmCham chapters worldwide play an important role in connecting Indiana to future-focused economic partners. Last year, AmCham Greece signed a memorandum of understanding with Purdue University, committing to exploring new initiatives to foster R&D in the academic and business community. Pictured with the governor is Dr. Petros Drineas, Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science, Purdue University, and John Kyiakides, member of AmCham Greece executive committee and board of directors.
Gov. Holcomb also met with leaders of Enterprise Greece to discuss ways to promote innovation and trade in future-focused sectors, including life sciences and technology, with a particular focus on small-to-medium-sized businesses and startups. Greece hosts business facilities of three Hoosier corporation – Eli Lilly and Company, Corteva and Zimmer Biomet – while trade between Indiana and Greece tops $53 million annually.
In Athens, the governor met with executives of Pharmaserve-Lilly, a joint venture between the Greek pharmaceutical company Pharmaserve and Indiana-based Eli Lilly and Company, to discuss the company’s partnership in advancing drug development and delivery. The company was formed in 1994 and is now among the top 10 pharmaceutical companies in Greece.
Gov. Holcomb, First Lady Janet Holcomb, and the delegation met with leadership of the World Human Forum, a global think and do tank, to discuss the increasingly-connected future global economy and strategies to create a better tomorrow for all citizens worldwide.
Gov. Holcomb and First Lady Janet Holcomb will conclude their first official visit to Greece this weekend. This visit was paid for by the Council of State Governments.