Joseph Kiourouklis, Alpha Bank’s Chief of Wholesale Banking, said the Greek economy continued to offer significant investment opportunities despite an uncertain international environment. He was speaking at the Athens Investment Forum during a panel discussion entitled “Greece’s new investment identity: growth, resilience and international credibility”.
He said geopolitical developments, fluctuations in energy prices and international economic challenges were affecting the business environment. However, he noted that demand for financing from Greek businesses remained strong, with significant investor interest in sectors with strong fundamentals. He added that competitive bank financing, combined with European and national investment programmes, continued to serve as an important driver of investment and, more broadly, of growth in the Greek economy.
“Despite international challenges, Greece continues to attract strong investor interest. At the same time, Greek businesses continue to pursue ambitious growth plans and seize new opportunities in sectors with strong prospects, such as energy, infrastructure, tourism, defence and technology,” he said.
The strategic partnership with UniCredit
Referring to Alpha Bank’s strategic partnership with UniCredit, Mr Kiourouklis said it opens up new opportunities for Greek businesses, giving them access to one of Europe’s largest banking networks. He said the partnership made it easier for Greek companies to expand into 13 additional European countries, strengthened their capabilities in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, and gave them access to complex financing solutions and specialist banking services tailored to the needs of businesses operating internationally.
“Our strategic partnership with UniCredit significantly broadens the opportunities available to Greek businesses, giving them access to a pan-European network and specialist solutions that can support their international growth and the implementation of larger or more complex investment plans,” he said.
A strong presence in infrastructure and energy financing
Alpha Bank’s Chief of Wholesale Banking also highlighted the Bank’s active role in financing major investment projects, noting that the Bank had a long-standing record of working with leading international investors and asset managers, and of participating in the financing of significant infrastructure, transport, energy and concession projects. He singled out the energy sector, where Alpha Bank has a strong presence through the financing of renewable energy and energy storage projects. It was also the first bank to finance the Metlen-Karatzis battery unit, which was recently inaugurated. The Bank’s financing portfolio in the infrastructure and energy sectors currently stands at about €5bn, he said, while undrawn commitments exceed €1.5bn.
In closing, Mr Kiourouklis expressed optimism about the prospects for the Greek economy, stressing that the country continued to attract significant domestic and international investment, while the financing needs generated by major projects were expected to provide further support for its growth trajectory. “Greece remains an attractive investment destination, and the need to finance the major projects under way creates significant opportunities for the banking system to support the real economy. Alpha Bank will continue to be at the forefront of this effort,” he concluded.