| The multi-sectorial Greek Delegation which arrived in Delhi for The India-Greece Business Forum organised by the Federation of Greek Industries on 8-9 February, to be followed in Mumbai, is the biggest ever, announced Mr. George Alogoskoufis, Minister of Economy and Finance of the oldest democracy in the world. The delegation also comprises five olive oil producers and a couple of wineries.
 Addressing the full house Ballroom of Oberoi Hotel, Delhi Mr. Anand Sharma, Minister of State for External Affairs talked about the 9.2 % annual growth in GDP last quarter. 'Our economist Prime Minister feels that we can achieve 10% and if he says so, it must be possible,' he said confidently, adding that India could absorb US $ 320 Billion as investment for its growth targets during the next 5 years.
He emphasized the importance of co-operation in the Food Processing sector where 'only 3% is exported and there is a loss of 40% loss due to lack of infrastructure and the poor cold supply chain.'
The planned visit of the Indian President to Greece and their Prime minister to India in 2007 is indicative of how much importance is being attached to the business relationship between the two countries. The Greek Ambassador Mr. John Economides who has put India on the Greek map, and his team have been working diligently for months, in the background with FICCI as the collaborators for this event: one of the five planned for 2007. The Ambassador spoke about the talks that are going on for the direct air services and collaboration in science and technology sectors and added that the two nations have a great affinity for each other despite the distance and would be good business partners.
Agrovim, Emman P.Papaioannou S.A., Hellenic Fine Oils, Agricultural Union Cooperatives of Messinia and Minerva are the olive oil producers taking part. Minerva has been a regular participant of IFE-India food and wine show and is extremely persistent and keen on the Indian market.
 BG Spiliopoulos SA is a wine company known more for its alcohol conversion capacities. Dionyssos Winery SA is a 65- year old producer making a variety of dry and semi sweet wines. They have some quaffable wines made from Greek grapes and some international varietals at excellent prices. Nemea red and Mantinia white are the varietals made from these local grapes. Prices seem to be highly attractive. Write to Filos Panayiotis, the young CEO of the family run winery in Peloponese in the South of Greece by writing to him at p.philios@dionyssos-wine.gr .
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