Featuring top US and International Investors, Government & Business Leaders, Global Investment Banks & Institutions & the Greek Government
“Sustaining Growth & Investment Momentum” is the title of this year’s flagship forum of Capital Link, the “Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum”. The event in its 24th year anniversary was held on Friday, December 9, 2022, as an in-person event, at the Metropolitan Club in New York. The Forum is organized in cooperation with the New York Stock Exchange, the Athens Stock Exchange and major Global Investment Banks and Organizations. Just as with last year’s event, the Forum is organized with the support of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the Auspices of the Consulate General of Greece in New York. JP MORGAN & Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) Ltd. are Lead Sponsors of the Forum.
The Forum, which also receives the strong support of the Greek business and financial community, has become an international summit about Greece through the years. With a 24-year track record of success, the Forum has been engaged in a systematic effort to highlight Greece’s profile to a global business and investment audience. The event gathered top level executives from the business world, bringing together a number of international investors, entrepreneurs, banking executives, technocrats and Government officials from Greece, Europe and The United States. The Forum’s agenda featured top level speakers who addressed a global audience discussing topics of major importance.
DISCUSSION: INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR IN GREECE
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:
Mr. Vangelis Vergetis, Co-founder – Intelligencia Inc.
KEYNOTE REMARKS:
Mr. Vassilis Kontozamanis, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Health – Hellenic Republic
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:
Mr. Vangelis Vergetis, Co-founder – Intelligencia Inc.
Mr. Vangelis Vergetis, Co-founder – Intelligencia Inc., started by talking about the larger theme: “It’s an incredibly exciting time as the biological sciences, data science, and technology are coming together. In my view, the intersection of those areas will define the type and magnitude of innovation in the next several decades. In addition to that, the global healthcare system is transitioning from focusing on treating the sick, to focusing on preventing disease.”
He continued by talking about the role that Greece can play: “Greece has most of the ingredients to build a substantial ecosystem in the innovative biopharmaceutical space – for example talent, infrastructure, scientists and businesspeople with relentless drive, and a strong diaspora that can be particularly helpful. The country will not become Boston or San Francisco overnight, but there are several investments that can be made today. For example, significantly increasing the clinical trial activity in the country, attracting multinationals to invest in manufacturing plants for complex biologics or gene therapies, creating companies to develop innovative AI-driven products and services, commercializing true innovation that results from the basic research conducted by universities and research centers, etc.”
He then concluded by talking about the level of commitment that this endeavor would require: “All that said, one should not underestimate the amount of work and long-term commitment that will be needed both by the private sector and by the government in order to get there. For example, the research ecosystem is fragmented and suffers with inconsistent funding, and several regulations or behaviors come in the way of progress and the inflow of investments. A few specific and targeted actions can go a long way in incentivizing and attracting the type of innovation that we are envisioning.”
He continued: “To be clear, I would argue that growing this biopharma-focused innovative ecosystem in Greece is not a matter of government funding. In fact, when done right, it has little to do with that. It is all about attracting multinationals to invest in a country that has the right characteristics, and attracting venture or growth investors to back exciting innovation. In other words, it is my belief that once we truly have world-class innovation, and once we create the right conditions in the country, capital by seasoned international investors and multinationals will quickly follow. We are already seeing some elements of that, and we should strive for much more.”
KEYNOTE REMARKS:
Mr. Vassilis Kontozamanis, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Health – Hellenic Republic
Mr. Vassilis Kontozamanis, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Health – Hellenic Republic:
Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals manufacturing, digital health, clinical trials and biopharmaceutical services present among others, high potential investment opportunities in Greece.
The above was mentioned by Vassilis Kontozamanis, Former Alternate Minister of Health and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Health Affairs, while speaking at the 24th Annual Forum Capital Link Invest in Greece.
According to Mr. Kontozamanis, Greece has laid the foundations enabling the country to become internationally competitive in the field of innovative biopharmaceutical industry.
As pointed out, “We support entrepreneurship in the health sector, thereby strengthening innovation, Research and Development and employment. The results of our Policy are evident.
The Greek pharmaceutical industry recently announced investment plans of 300 million euros. Pfizer, a world-leading pharmaceutical company, has the headquarters of an international digital technology center in Thessaloniki, while the multinational pharmaceutical industry Boehringer Ingelheim is investing over 100 million euros in the period 2019-2025, to expand the production activities of its factory in Koropi Athens”.
He also announced the Government’s plan, is for Greece to become a hub for Clinical Trials.
“Our goal is not only to contribute to the advancement of medical science, but also to strengthen the knowledge-based economy. The country holds unique characteristics such as highly trained healthcare professionals with international recognition, world-class facilities, and advanced medical technology infrastructure.
In addition, our focus is to make Greece a hub in the provision of services related to Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Real World Evidence Data, Patient Registries, digital health, and to create synergies with companies that interact with the process of drug discovery, development and commercialization”.
Mr. Kontozamanis highlighted the fact that the National Health System was reinforced during the pandemic and responded successfully under unprecedented circumstances.
“The Greek Government is committed to a strong, efficient, resilient and value-based health care system, that meets all citizens’ needs. The structural reforms, currently under deployment, create a favorable investment environment. Evidently, a significant number of international investors have already established a strong footprint in the country”, he stressed.
Greece is undoubtedly an attractive investment destination, he said, inviting the investment community to seize the opportunities that have arisen in the Health Sector.
FORUM OVERVIEW
“Sustaining Growth & Investment Momentum”
The agenda, topics and structure of this forum through 21 Sessions and 76 Top Level Speakers have been designed to conform with investor interests and requirements. It combines the Greek and US government perspective, with that of private sector executives, international financiers and international investors. Greece has made a notable rebound in the eyes of both the global capital markets and the international investment community in recent years.
The impressive number of incoming American investments in the country proves that the government’s efforts to improve the business and investment climate have been more than effective. The significant transformation of the country’s investment and economic climate has resulted in a flurry of new and exciting investment activity in the country, signaling a new path forward for Greece, one of modernization, stability, and trust.
This new era of economic growth is due in part to ambitious reforms, immense brainpower and entrepreneurship, and hope for the future in Greece, making the country an appealing destination for foreign investors.
H.E. Christos Staikouras, Minister of Finance, Keynote Speaker of the Conference, presented Greek Government’s economic strategy, and his speech was titled “Government Economic Policy & Objectives“.
H.E. Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Development and Investments, and Mr. Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of Europe – BC Partners were the Keynote Speakers at the formal Luncheon.
Introductory Speeches were made by: Mr. John Tuttle, Vice Chairman – NYSE ; President NYSE Institute, Mr. Yianos Kontopoulos, CEO – ATHEX Group, Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder, President & CEO – TEN Ltd., and Mr. Takis Georgakopoulos, Global Head of Payments, Managing Director – JP Morgan.
One-On-One Meetings
The Conference provided foreign investors with the opportunity to network through a variety of “one-to-one meetings” with Institutional Investors representing large foreign funds with investment interest in Greece, with listed and non-listed companies, as well as with members of the delegation of the Greek Government. In cooperation with the investment banks that support the Forum, group sessions were organized for: H.E. Christos Staikouras, Minister of Finance, accompanied by Mr. Michael Arghyrou, Chairman of Council of Economic Advisοrs • H.E. Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Development and Investments • H.E. Theodore Skylakakis – Alternate Minister of Finance • H.E. Konstantinos Skrekas – Minister of Environment & Energy.
Greek American and International Media
The representatives of the government and of the participating companies met with the Greek American Media that covered the Forum as well as with representatives of International Media. H.E. Christos Staikouras, Minister of Finance gave interview to Bloomberg. H.E. Konstantinos Skrekas – Minister of Environment & Energy, gave interview to Wall Street Journal – WSJ.
AWARD CEREMONY – OFFICIAL DINNER
“2022 HELLENIC CAPITAL LINK LEADERSHIP AWARD”
The Forum concluded with an official dinner with Opening – Welcome Remarks by Mr. Edward Mermelstein – New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs, on behalf of Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, who welcomed the dinner’s attendees. Mr. John Kalafatis, CEO – NU Boyana Hellenic Film Studios delivered Introductory Remarks.
H.E. Alexandra Papadopoulou, Ambassador of Greece to the United States, and Mr. Yianos Kontopoulos, CEO – ATHEX Group delivered Keynote Remarks. During the dinner Mr. Panos Papazoglou, Managing Partner – EY Greece, was honored with the “2022 Capital Link Hellenic Leadership Award”, for his outstanding contribution to Greece.
Mr. Lazaros Papagaryfallou, General Manager/CFO – Alpha Bank, introduced the Honoree Mr. Panos Papazoglou, Managing Partner – EY Greece, who delivered Keynote Remarks.
THE FORUM WAS ORGANIZED:
IN COOPERATION WITH: New York Stock Exchange & Athex Group
WITH THE SUPPORT OF: the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy – Ministry of Foreign Affairs • UNDER THE AUSPICES: of the Consulate General of Greece in New York • Trade Office – Consulate General of Greece in New York
SPONSORS:
Lead Sponsors: JP Morgan • Tsakos Energy Navigation – TEN Ltd., has been lead sponsor for the last 14 years.
Gold Sponsors: Barclays • BNP Paribas • EY • Goldman Sachs • Nomura
Grand Sponsors: Alpha Bank • AXIA Ventures Group • Eurobank • Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) • HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings • National Bank of Greece • Qualco Group • Reed Smith
Sponsors: Saplegal – A.S. Papadimitriou & Partners Law Firm • Aegean Airlines • Ambrosia Capital • Bernitsas Law • COSTAMARE • DLA Piper • ELLAKTOR S.A. • Ethiniki Insurance • Athens Water Supply & Sewage Company SA (EYDAP) • GEK Terna Group • Lambadarios Law Firm • LAMDA Development • Machas & Partners Law Firm • Masouros & Partners Attorneys • Milbank • NN Hellas • Oliver Wyman • ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group • Opap • OTE Group of Companies • POTAMITISVEKRIS • Public Power Corporation – PPC • PRODEA Investments • SAVILLS HELLAS • Trastor REIC
Supporting Sponsors: Brookstreet Equity Partners • Calamos Investments • DECA Investments • Dimand SA • Eldorado Gold • EOS Capital Partners • Eurodry Ltd. • Euroseas Ltd. • Flott & Co. PC • Jacobs • Moussas Law Firm
Supporting Companies: BC Partners • CVC • DBRS Morningstar • Hotel Investment Partners (HIP) • RWE Energy Transition Investments
Breakfast Sponsor: Arabatzis
Dinner Sponsor: Nu Boyana Hellenic Film studios (NBH)
Cocktail Sponsor: Navios Maritime Partners
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS:
WITH THE SUPPORT OF: the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy – Ministry of Foreign Affairs • UNDER THE AUSPICES: of the Consulate General of Greece in New York • Trade Office – Consulate General of Greece in New York
AHEPA • AHEPA Delphi Chapter 25 • American Hellenic Institute (AHI) • Cyprus – US Chamber of Commerce • Endeavor • European American Chamber of Commerce, New York • European Financial Management Association (EFM) • HMS – Hellenic Medical Society of New York • Hellenic Professional Women Inc. • Hellenic American Bankers Association – HABA • Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce • Hellenic American Women’s Council (HAWK) • Hellenic Lawyers Association • The Hellenic Initiative • Leadership 100 • World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (PADEE-WHIA)
MEDIA PARTNERS:
Official TV Media Partner:
• Ant1 • Ant1 Satellite
Digital News Media Partner – ΑΠΕ:
• Athens – Macedonian News Agency
Greek Print & Digital News:
• ΤΟ BHMA – ΤΑ NEA – in – ot.gr
• AllAboutShipping.co.UK • Banking News • Greek Business File • Oikonomiki Epitheorisi • World Energy News
Greek American Media:
• Εθνικός Κήρυξ – The National Herald
• Hellas Journal By Mignatiou.Com • Greek Reporter • Hellenic News of America
• Αναμνήσεις • Hellenic DNA • GreεεkNews USA.com
Greek American Supporting Television Partner:
• New Greek TV
