Mike Pompeo to Attend American Mediterranean Investment Forum in Athens

The 70th US Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo, will attend the first American Mediterranean Investment Forum in Athens this month.

Hosted by investment management firm, Joseph Sassoon Group, at the Stavros Νiarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) on September 27, the event is being held to re-engage American businesses and investors in the Mediterranean region and is expected to attract some of Israel, Greece and the US’s leading business, investment and political figures.

According to an announcement by the organizer, the 1st American Mediterranean Investment Forum will offer entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs the chance to engage with investors, global industry leaders and senior government officials to explore possible collaboration and funding opportunities.

More importantly, the forum will help participants identify and address the challenges foreign investors face in the region. American tech companies and others from across the US business sector will demonstrate and share skills, experiences, and services that will benefit regional markets.

For the first time, U.S. and Israeli tech companies will share how their collaborative efforts are able to offer added value to the Mediterranean region, and to Greece in particular.

Keynote speaker: Mike Pompeo

Mike Pompeo.

The former secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, will address the forum as a keynote speaker and will also partake in a panel discussion on how to counter external threats to the region, such as those posed by China, that will undermine economic growth and stability.

One of the primary architects of the Abraham Accords, Secretary Pompeo will discuss the importance of the agreements and how through trade, scientific collaboration and cross-border investments, this peace agreement is already paying dividends for all members. The secretary will also offer a positive vision of the future and detail what Greece can learn from this accord for its own economic security and stability.

“Greece is a vital strategic partner and a great friend to the US, and I am looking forward to furthering our special relationship,” Pompeo said.

Foreign investors confident on future growth of Greece

According to the latest available data from the Bank of Greece, net inflows of Foreign Direct Investment to Greece in 2022 exceeded 7.2 billion euros (7,221 million euros), compared to 5.3 billion euros (5,350 million euros) in 2021. The increase represents a 35 percent jump year-on-year, a 61 percent increase compared to pre-COVID 2019, and is the highest net FDI inflow since 2002.

The sharp increase in FDI reflects efforts in recent years to establish a business-friendly environment and a coordinated strategy for sustainable growth. The result is evident in the overall growth of the Greek economy and confidence among foreign investors in the future growth of Greece.

“On the heels of this growth and with incredible opportunities in the region multiplying, Joseph Sassoon Group is set to host the American Mediterranean Investment Forum,” the organizer said in the event’s announcement.