A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Hellenic Development Bank-HDB and the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The aim is to design, develop and plan the synergies between EBEP and HDB, in the context of actions to encourage and develop entrepreneurship, through innovation and extroversion.

At the signing event that took place at the offices of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the two parties agreed on a common framework of actions. A framework that will explore the needs and funding gaps of businesses. Emphasis will be placed on those that operating in the maritime sector . This is because the Piraeus area has traditionally been home to the largest shipping companies.

In addition, the two bodies will proceed with partnerships to support innovative entrepreneurship and expand exports. In this context, events will be co-organized and there will be mutual participation in mentoring and networking activities.

In the coming period, emphasis will be placed on the formation of the conditions for accelerating collaborations of Greek companies for the creation of international competitive schemes.

From the HDB's side, in addition, the members of the EBEP will be given access to the networking platform InnoAgora . Objective:

• interconnection with international ecosystems
• enhancing extroversion
• raising investment capital and finding trading partners

At the same time, the organization, together with the executives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, of webinars in thematic sections will be examined. Sections which will be relevant to InnoAgora members. The aim is to educate, exchange knowledge and enhance the competitiveness of businesses.

Vassilis Korkidis, President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry

"The Hellenic Development Bank is a special purpose financial institution with Main objective the development and stabilization of the Greek economy, by closing market gaps related to companies' access to finance by intervening with targeted and innovative programmes to meet the needs of businesses. The object of this memorandum is the design, development and programming of synergies between EBEP and HDB, in the context of actions to encourage and develop entrepreneurship, through innovation and extroversion, listing the fields and actions within which the two bodies will move".

Athina Chatzipetrou, managing director of the Hellenic Development Bank

"At HDB we continue to support the efforts of the country's institutions to shield the Greek economy and increase business investments. In order to create more jobs and boost the growth of the Greek economy. The central strategy of the Hellenic Development Bank is not only to support Greek entrepreneurship, but also to encourage the entrepreneur through multiple and innovative tools. To become more extroverted, modern and above all competitive both in our country and internationally".

Pantelis Tzortzakis, Executive Vice President of the Hellenic Development Bank

"The memorandum of cooperation is very important for enhancing innovation. It is the passport for Greek businesses to be able to to produce products and services that will withstand international competition. At the same time, innovation will be an attracting pole for investment from abroad And even more importantly to stop bleeding at capable people abroad and intensify the reverse course with the return of young people back to their homeland. HDB with Innovation Guarantee Fund, the upcoming Patent Fund and the matchmaking platform InnoAgora creates an innovation hub in which it can participate every Greek business aiming to grow and evolve. The cooperation with the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its members is of major importance for the immediate realization of this goal".