IOANNINA, Greece — The recent visit of U.S. Consul General in Thessaloniki Jerry Ismail to the Region of Epirus marks a significant milestone in the continuing expansion of U.S.–Greek relations at the regional level, highlighting new opportunities in trade, investment, education, innovation, tourism, and cultural exchange.
During his visit, Consul General Ismail met with the Governor of the Region of Epirus, the Mayor of Ioannina, His Eminence the Metropolitan of Ioannina, the Rector of the University of Ioannina, the President and Board of Directors of the Ioannina Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor of Metsovo, representatives of local governments and institutions, and executives of leading export-oriented businesses.
Among the highlights of the visit was a tour of the historic Katogi Averoff Winery, internationally recognized as one of Greece’s finest examples of entrepreneurial excellence, premium quality, and the preservation of the country’s rich winemaking heritage.
Discussions centered on expanding Greek exports to the United States, attracting American investment, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting Epirus as a dynamic destination for business, agribusiness, higher education, tourism, and cultural development.
The visit reflects the growing interest of the United States in strengthening economic and institutional partnerships with Western Greece and, in particular, the Region of Epirus.
At the conclusion of the visit, Consul General Ismail stated:
“I would like to assure you that this is only the beginning of our interest in strengthening our relationship with Epirus and Western Greece. My colleagues, Ioanna and Eion, will continue these efforts with the goal of organizing an even larger delegation to the region this fall, potentially including representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Athens.”
Throughout the visit, the Consul General was accompanied by Christos Tatsis, Deputy Mayor for Entrepreneurship and Tourism of the Municipality of Ioannina, and Vassilis Gorgolis, Deputy Regional Governor of Epirus and Mrs. Ioanna Koutsounanou.
Greek-American businessman Paul Kotrotsios, Founder and President of Hermes Expo International and Founder and Chairman of the Hellenic News of America, welcomed the visit as a landmark step toward expanding cooperation between Epirus and the Greek-American business community.
Mr. Kotrotsios stated:
“I firmly believe that this visit marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation between Epirus and the United States. Through Hermes Expo International, the Hellenic News of America, and the extensive network of partnerships we have built throughout the United States over many decades, we can create new opportunities for businesses, universities, chambers of commerce, municipalities, the Region of Epirus, and the Greek-American business and professional community.
Strengthening U.S.–Greek relations is far more than an economic objective. It is an investment in the enduring friendship between our two nations, in innovation, education, entrepreneurship, culture, tourism, and the creation of an even stronger future built on collaboration and mutual prosperity.”
Hermes Expo International has maintained a close working relationship with both the Region of Epirus and the Ioannina Chamber of Commerce for several years. Through its annual international business conference and exposition in New Jersey, the organization has successfully facilitated business partnerships, trade opportunities, investment discussions, and commercial networking between Greek companies and the American marketplace while strengthening ties with the Greek Diaspora.
Participants emphasized the importance of establishing a more organized and permanent presence for Epirus in the United States by leveraging the strength of the Greek-American community together with the increasing American demand for premium Greek products, gastronomy, tourism, educational exchanges, cultural initiatives, and investment opportunities.
More than a symbolic diplomatic visit, the Consul General’s mission demonstrated the growing strategic importance of Epirus as a future partner of the United States in entrepreneurship, agribusiness, higher education, tourism, innovation, and regional economic development.
According to Mr. Kotrotsios, both the Hellenic News of America and Hermes Expo International remain fully committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen U.S.–Greek relations while creating meaningful opportunities for economic growth throughout Greece and the Greek-American community. Both organizations will continue promoting the success stories, partnerships, and shared values that unite the two nations and contribute to a prosperous future for both countries.
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