A new avenue for international cooperation is opening up for Greek retail, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Hellenic Association of Retail Businesses (SELPE) and the Retail Networks Development Union (RNDU), Azerbaijan’s association for retail network development.
The memorandum was signed at the Greece–Azerbaijan Business Forum, held in Athens in the presence of Greece’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Maria Papakonstantinou.
According to the announcement, the agreement establishes an institutional framework for cooperation between the two organisations across three areas: strengthening contacts between their member businesses; exchanging expertise and best practice; and discussing the shared challenges facing modern retail, at a time when technology, consumer behaviour and supply chains are transforming the sector worldwide.
The prospect of new commercial links between the two markets is particularly significant. Cooperation between the two organisations creates the conditions for direct contacts between Greek businesses, producers and suppliers and retail networks in Azerbaijan, paving the way for new commercial partnerships.
SELPE President Kostas Gerardos said:
“Retail is a large family found in every country. Wherever in the world you encounter it, you will find a vital, dynamic and sizeable force that keeps the wheels of the economy turning and creates value in every society.
Our first priority at SELPE is to bring all the members of this family together, so that we can address shared issues, plan the future of the sector together, and share experiences and best practice.
At the same time, however, this value is multiplied when we connect with the equivalent sector in another country, where business opportunities, fresh perspectives and new knowledge can emerge.
We have made such a start with RNDU President Araz Imanov.”
For SELPE, the agreement marks another step towards strengthening its international presence. By developing partnerships with counterpart organisations abroad, the association aims to broaden its members’ networking opportunities, improve their access to international expertise and create the conditions for new business synergies.