Under the theme “The Greece of Tomorrow: From Growth to Institutional Renewal – Economy, Technology and Leadership in a Changing World”, the first AKTINES event organised by the Association of Cypriot Professionals in Greece (SKEE) was held on Tuesday, 13 October, at the House of Cyprus in Athens, as part of Cyprus Days.
The first AKTINES event marked the launch of a new initiative by SKEE, which aims to create a regular forum for meaningful dialogue and the exchange of ideas, while also strengthening ties between Greece and Cyprus.
The first AKTINES guest was Michalis Argyrou, head of the Economic Office of the Greek prime minister, who outlined the challenges and prospects facing the Greek economy over the next five years in an open discussion.
Welcome remarks were delivered by Stavros Avgoustidis, the ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Greece, and Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, SKEE president and CEO of Tototheo Global.
The discussion focused on the conditions needed for sustained and resilient growth, with particular emphasis on institutional stability, competitiveness, the effectiveness of public administration and the justice system, and the need to invest in human capital. It also highlighted the importance of technological progress and adapting to a rapidly changing international environment.
Key themes included the challenges shaping the economic and social environment over the next five years, as well as geopolitical instability and international uncertainty, housing and demographic pressures, and the pace of technological change.
Particular emphasis was also placed on the need for economic growth to translate into meaningful and lasting progress for the country and its citizens.
Against this backdrop, the discussion highlighted Greece’s convergence with the European Union average, boosting productivity and creating more opportunities for future generations.
The discussion with Mr Argyrou also highlighted prospects for further cooperation between Greece and Cyprus.
Entrepreneurship, technology, professional services, the exchange of expertise and greater international engagement were discussed as areas with the greatest potential for a closer relationship between the two countries.
The discussion concluded with questions from the audience and an exchange of views on the economic challenges ahead.