The National Development Fund and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the leading international organization for international conferences and professional events, during the Growthfund Investor Summit 2026 held in Athens on June 22.
The Memorandum was signed by the CEO of the National Development Fund, Yannis Papachristou, and the CEO of ICCA, Dr. Senthil Gopinath, in the presence of representatives from political leadership, the business community, and international organizations.
This is a partnership of strategic importance that strengthens Greece’s competitiveness on the international conference and exhibition scene. Among other things, the Memorandum provides for access to international expertise and networking with the international market, the exchange of best practices, the conduct of comparative assessments and benchmarking of Greek conference infrastructure, as well as training and international promotion initiatives.
This initiative is directly linked to strategic assets and development initiatives of the National Development Fund and its subsidiaries, such as TIF-Helexpo, the Hellenic Public Properties Company (ETAD), and the Corinth Canal S.A. (AEDIK), which can play a decisive role in the further development of conference and exhibition tourism in the country.
At the same time, the collaboration is expected to contribute to the upgrading of existing infrastructure, the attraction of international events, and the strengthening of Greece’s position as a destination for conferences, exhibitions, and business meetings.
The Memorandum of Cooperation has a two-year term and is part of the National Development Fund’s broader strategy to strengthen the country’s outward orientation and long-term growth potential.
The CEO of the National Development Fund, Yannis Papachristou, stated:
“Our collaboration with ICCA reflects the National Development Fund’s strategic approach to creating long-term value through the development-oriented utilization of public assets. Strengthening Greece’s position on the international conference and exhibition map is not only about tourism but also about the country’s ability to attract investment, business activity, and international partnerships. Through this partnership, we are creating the conditions for key infrastructure and destinations to further realize their potential, contributing to the outward-looking nature and sustainable development of the national economy.”
ICCA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Senthil Gopinath stated:
“Scientific conferences and the meetings industry are among the strongest, yet often underestimated, drivers of economic and social development. This collaboration is not only about strengthening Greece’s position in the international conference and business meetings market. It is also about highlighting the role our sector plays in connecting knowledge, promoting innovation, and creating long-term value. Through our collaboration with the National Development Fund, we support a more integrated approach, in which professional events are aligned with national priorities, with the goal of enabling destinations to fully leverage their potential for the benefit of local communities.”