The trend of American investment in Greece’s knowledge-based economy is just beginning, US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt told an American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce online audience of the 31st Annual Greek Economic Summit on Tuesday.
Over the past two years, American technology investment in northern Greece has led the way, putting Thessaloniki on the map as a gateway to the Balkans, he said, referring to Pfizer, Cisco, and Deloitte. “Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his government are sending all the right signals to indicate that they are embracing the Greek economy’s digital future,” the ambassor underlined, adding that “Greece is also ahead of the curve in recognizing the far-reaching impact of 5G wireless technology” on every aspect of our lives, from national security to economic development.
In addition, US support is helping Greece reposition itself “to lead Southeastern Europe’s knowledge-based economy” just as the US Embassy has invested in teaching young Greeks critical digital skills.
Focusing on the ongoing US-Greece energy projects and investments in Northern Greece, Pyatt said that “Greece and its neighbors are coming together to redraw the energy map of Southeastern Europe through major projects that have maintained momentum even through the pandemic. Regional cooperation here is key.”
Asked to comment on what the biggest recent achievement of the country is, he said it’s that “Greece has returned to the status as a normal, prosperous European democracy.” In terms of what the biggest challenge is going forward, it is “to unleash the power of the Greek people and the Greek economy,” the ambassador said.
