Piraeus Port Authority S.A. and the National Technical University of Athens Sign Memorandum of Understanding
Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA S.A.) and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), launching a strategic collaboration in the fields of research, technological advancement, and sustainable port development.
The Memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation between the academic community and the port industry through joint initiatives in areas such as smart port technologies, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, maritime safety, and logistics. It also establishes a framework for collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and educational activities, fostering the development of advanced solutions for the maritime sector.
On the signing, the Chairman of PPA S.A., Mr. Han Chao stated:
“Our cooperation with the National Technical University of Athens marks an important step in strengthening the connection between academia and the port industry. By leveraging NTUA’s scientific expertise alongside PPA’s operational experience, we are creating the conditions to develop advanced solutions that will support the sustainable development of the Port of Piraeus.”
The rector of the National Technical University of Athens, Mr. Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou also stated:
As a member of the COSCO SHIPPING Group, PPA S.A. remains committed to the continuous modernisation of the Port of Piraeus by fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen competitiveness, promote sustainable growth, and create long-term value for the Greek maritime sector and the national economy.
The National Technical University of Athens, Greece’s leading technological institution, leverages its long-standing scientific tradition and the high-level expertise of its academic community to contribute to the development of innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the port industry and the Greek economy.
The signing of the Memorandum marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between PPA S.A. and NTUA, with the shared objective of advancing research, technology, and expertise for the benefit of the Port of Piraeus, the Greek maritime industry, and Greece’s broader economic development.
New Memorandum of Understanding between Enterprise Greece and Eurobank
The Enterprise Greece and Eurobank have signed a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU renews their successful cooperation to boost exports and attract investment.
The initial MoU was signed in 2020 at the initiative of Enterprise Greece, which had invited banks to jointly support Greek companies in expanding their reach and competitiveness in the highly demanding international trade environment. The aim is to provide modern and innovative support services, facilitating companies’ access to finance and supporting investment initiatives and know-how.
Today, four years later, during the geopolitical crisis and the new major challenges facing the global economy, Enterprise Greece and Eurobank are renewing their strategic cooperation. They aim to facilitate Greek exporting companies’ access to specialized information and financial tools, thus contributing to the strengthening of their extroversion strategy.
Supporting healthy entrepreneurship is a strategic priority for Eurobank, which has already developed the international trade portal Exportgate since 2013, paving the way for Greek and Cypriot companies to join, Trade Club Alliance, one of the largest global trade networks. Enterprise Greece, with an extensive network of partners in all major international markets, attracts foreign direct investment to Greece and promotes the export of Greek products and services abroad. In this context, Enterprise Greece and Eurobank organized a series of online events in which more than 1,000 representatives of Greek companies participated. The events focused on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) criteria, which are crucial for companies’ international growth.
The ceremony was attended by the CEO of Enterprise Greece, Dr Marinos Giannopoulos, and the Head of Transaction Banking of Eurobank, Mr Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, at the offices of the Hellenic Investment and Foreign Trade Company SA.
In a statement, the CEO of Enterprise Greece, Dr Marinos Giannopoulos, expressed his satisfaction with the results of the cooperation with Eurobank so far. He pointed out that “the signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding with Eurobank confirms the excellent cooperation we have had over the past years in our efforts to strengthen the entrepreneurship and extroversion of Greek companies. We are pleased that our partnership with a systemic Greek bank, whose work supports the development of healthy entrepreneurship, is an important contribution to consolidating the sustainable growth of the Greek economy and has been well received by the domestic business environment. It also encourages us to continue supporting Greek companies’ efforts to consolidate their presence and competitiveness at home and abroad.”.
Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, Eurobank Deputy Managing Director and Head of Transaction Banking said: “At Eurobank, we see extroversion as a growth catalyst for the Greek economy, enhancing the competitiveness of businesses and creating prospects for sustainable growth. In this context, we are renewing our cooperation with Enterprise Greece, reaffirming our commitment to support Greek companies seeking to grow internationally. Through this cooperation, we are implementing targeted actions, providing specialized advice, and facilitating access to new markets for companies with a competitive advantage, thus contributing to the creation of a dynamic business ecosystem that increases export activity and makes Greece an attractive investment destination.”
Photo: Dr Marinos Giannopoulos, CEO of Enterprise Greece (left), mr. Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, Eurobank Deputy Managing Director and Head of Transaction Banking (right).
Memorandum of Understanding between Eurizon Capital SGR, Eurobank and Eurobank Asset Management MFMC
Eurizon Capital SGR, the Asset Management Company of Intesa Sanpaolo Group, Eurobank S.A. and Eurobank Asset Management MFMC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eurobank S.A., have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU lays the foundations of a partnership where Eurizon, one of the leading asset managers in Italy will make its products available into the Greek market and will leverage on its business model to strengthen Eurobank Asset Management MFMC’ dynamic offering extending portfolio management services to Eurobank’s clients.
The upcoming cooperation in the Greek market will provide the parties with the impetus to benefit from significant growth opportunities, leveraging Eurobank’s Network, the dynamic of Eurobank Asset Management MFMC and Eurizon’s expertise in advisory support and innovative product development.
Maria Luisa Gota, Chief Executive Officer of Eurizon Capital SGR, said: “To enter the Greek market with Eurobank AM is a further step to increase both Eurizon strategic business growth and brand awareness in Europe. We are really proud to start a partnership with a strong company, leader in its country, to leverage our combined expertise, offering innovative financial solutions and expanded portfolio management services to local clients.”.
Theofanis Mylonas, Eurobank’s General Manager & Head of Wealth Management, commented: “The strategically important new alliance with Eurizon underlines the Group’s commitment to expand its activities in the asset management segment. This partnership comes at a time that the Greece’s economy is expanding, and wealth management is at the forefront of the investors interest. Hence, sharing this vision with a global investment manager will definitely create significant synergies and build on the global momentum of both entities.”.
EIB signs memorandum of understanding with Bulgarian government to improve the use of EU funds
The EIB support will enhance Bulgaria’s project preparation to improve the country’s use of EU funds.The EIB could also support institutional capacity building measures and assist in the preparation or update of sector strategy documents and investment plans.
EIB Vice-President Lilyana Pavlova and Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds and Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev expressed satisfaction with the continuation of advisory services in Bulgaria.According to the memorandum, the European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide support to the government of Bulgaria to contribute to the effective, efficient and timely preparation and implementation of projects or investment programmes financed by EU funds. Considering the government of Bulgaria’s needs and EIB’s role as the European Union’s long-term lender, the Bank will also be able to support institutional capacity building measures and assist the Bulgarian government in the preparation or update of strategy documents and investment plans for specific sectors.
EIB Vice-President Lilyana Pavlova and Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds and Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev met on 7 June in Sofia to sign a memorandum of understanding on project support between the government of the Republic of Bulgaria and the EIB for these advisory services.
The government of Bulgaria has identified several broad areas where additional support would be required during the recently started 2021-2027 programming period. Under this memorandum of understanding and subject to agreement between the Bulgarian government and the EIB, separate project advisory support service agreements (PASSAs) will be signed between the EIB and specific Bulgarian beneficiaries or final recipients and/or managing authorities.
EIB Vice-President Lilyana Pavlova said: “The EIB has provided key support related to the preparation of strategic documents, assisting in project delivery and institutional capacity building to the Bulgarian authorities so far. The signature of the memorandum of understanding is a logical continuation of our successful PASSA advisory services in Bulgaria. We are looking forward to extending our tailor-made support to the government, managing authorities and other beneficiaries in climate action projects covering areas including water, wastewater, solid waste and the just transition projects across the country to strengthen the social and economic impact of new investment and address local employment, education and financing challenges.”
Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds and Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev said: “I am delighted that we continue the cooperation with the European Investment Bank in the new programming period and on the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Our joint work with the EIB will ensure transparency and control in the spending of funds, as well as significant complementary funding for projects that are of key importance to our country.”
The project support received by the beneficiaries or final recipients and managing authorities in support of the government of Bulgaria’s action — and granted by the EIB under this memorandum — is expected to be financed under the relevant programme or other EU funds allocated to Bulgaria.
The memorandum will expire at the end of the disbursement period of the applicable EU funds under the 2021-2027 programming period, currently planned to be 31 December 2029.
The impact of climate action, just transition and environmental sustainability investment across Bulgaria will be enhanced by technical and best-practice support provided by a dedicated team of EIB experts already based in the country.
The EIB’s tailor-made project advisory support for Bulgaria so far
The EIB has worked closely with Bulgaria since 1992 and supported its economy with around €5.7 billion. The Bank supports investment projects that reduce disparities in regional development and strengthen economic competitiveness. The EIB also helps Bulgarian businesses suffering from the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Bulgaria is one of the targeted beneficiaries to which the Bank provides technical assistance.
Project advisory support service agreements (PASSAs) help projects funded by the European Union. Their objective is to accelerate project execution and speed up EU structural and investment fund use. Our agreements are flexible instruments offering tailor-made advisory services to project teams and local administrations responsible for public sector investments. Our experts and consultants deliver advisory services that focus on strategic infrastructure projects and public procurement systems. We provide hands-on support during all phases of project delivery, and where needed during project preparation. We work closely with the local teams and authorities at all times to ensure knowledge transfer to local staff.
The last PASSA memorandum of understanding was signed in December 2015. Under this agreement, the EIB supported the implementation of projects across Bulgaria in the water, wastewater, solid waste and transport sectors. The EIB currently provides technical assistance in the water sector to monitor project implementation and help solve implementation issues over a five-year period. Our support focuses also on the newly established water operators covering almost the entire country.
Memorandum of Understanding between ThPA S.A. the International Hellenic University and the German Hellenic Chamber of Industry and Commerce
ThPA S.A., the International Hellenic University and the Hellenic German Chamber of Industry and Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim to share their know-how, infrastructure and capabilities with a view to the future of maritime transport, modern ports and integrated logistics solutions.
This cooperation gives all three organizations the opportunity to co-utilize valuable knowledge, both academic and practical, with the prospect of undertaking joint initiatives, planning educational & research programs and launching new professional synergies in the fields of Port Development and Operation, Freight Transport and Supply Chain Management.
The MoU was signed by Mr. Athanasios Liagkos, Executive Chairman of the BoD of ThPA S.A., Professor, Athanassios Kaissis, President of the International Hellenic University and Dr. Athanassios Kelemis, General Manager and member of the BoD of the German Hellenic Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
On the occasion of the MoU signing, Mr. Athanasios Liagkos, Executive Chairman of the BoD, of ThPA S.A. stated: “Today’s agreement marking our cooperation with the International Hellenic University of Greece and the German Hellenic Chamber of Industry and Commerce is fully in line with our vision for the Port of Thessaloniki as a growth gateway for the economy and society and the main gateway to the South East, Central and Eastern Europe.”
The President of the International Hellenic University, Professor, Athanassios Kaissis stated: “The purpose of the innovative initiative is to promote knowledge in the fields of shipping, port management and intermodal transportation through leveraging the multiple years of experience, know-how and extroversion of the collaborating partners”.
The General Manager and member of BoD at German Hellenic Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Dr. Athanassios Kelemis, commenting the signing of the MoU, declared that: “The partnership of an academic institution, a powerful business entity and a bilateral entrepreneurship support body, aiming at common “investments” in higher education, in research, in vocational training and in technological implementations, can bring only positive results, especially when it is orientated to shipping logistics market. A branch that is located at the cutting edge of the economy, a promising investment area, that creates new working positions, with high prestige and significant earnings. The stimulus for this triple partnership was the common interest for the creation of communication channels between student community, professionals with long experience in logistics and shipping and entrepreneurs with strong investment interest, coming from the biggest economy in Europe, Germany”.
ThPA SA and the University of West Attica signed a Memorandum of Understanding
ThPA S.A. and the Department of Business Administration of the Management Economics and Social Sciences School, of the University of West Attica, through its Postgraduate Program (MSc) “Organization, Operation, Development and Administration of Ports” signed a Memorandum of Understanding focusing on the fields of education, consulting, information, exchange of know-how and research. The MoU was signed by the Executive Chairman of the BoD of ThPA S.A., Mr. Athanasios Liagkos, and the Rector of the University of West Attica, Professor Panagiotis Kaldis.
The main goal of the MoU is the exchange of knowledge and applied best practices. Also, this partnership forms a framework of actions for joint initiatives, that will lead to the broadening of the development prospects in the sectors of international trade and maritime transport.
In this context, the Executive Chairman of the BoD of ThPA S.A., Mr. Athanasios Liagkos, stated: “The Port of Thessaloniki is a gateway to development that leverages business opportunities and promotes innovation, sustainability and social responsibility. The University of West Attica is an important ally in our actions for continuous upgrading and development on multiple levels. The signing of this MoU is a springboard towards new activities, which will create efficient and sustainable practices, with mutual benefits for both sides, the port industry, the economy and society at large.”
The Rector of the University of West Attica, Professor Panagiotis Kaldis stated: “UNIWA, the most developing university in Greece, with a green identity and the emergence of innovations, responds with great pleasure to the educational and research synergy that is developing between ThPA S.A. and the Department of Business Administration of the School of Management, Economics and Social Sciences of the University of West Attica through the Postgraduate Program (MSc) “Organization, Operation, Development and Port Administration”. The Rector also thanked the Executive Chairman of the BoD of ThPA S.A., Mr. Athanasios Liagkos, highlighting that the jointly planned new actions will bring added value to the Port of Thessaloniki, one of the most important ports in Southeastern Europe with direct road and rail connections, an extensive Free Zone and the largest transit port in the country belonging to the Core Network of the Trans-European Transport Networks “.