The potential of entrepreneurship through the National Program Development 2026-2030 were discussed at an event organized by National Development Programme on “Trade & National Development Programme: Challenges and Transformation”.

The event, which was implemented by the Chamber’s Commerce Department, focused on highlighting the challenges of translating the strategic planning of the National Development Programme (NDP) 2026-2030 into everyday business practice.

At the same time, the event aimed at the timely and detailed preparation of the members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry towards the priorities of the commercial policy of the National Development Plan 2026-2030, in order for the commercial world to act as an active participant in the digital and productive transformation of the country.

As stated in a statement, the speakers set as priorities the strengthening the digital skills of human resources and supporting SMEs to integrate cutting-edge technologies and Artificial Intelligence.

At the same time, they said the need to reduce production operating costs and expand access to financial tools was highlighted. Particular emphasis was placed on the armouring of the market from unfair competition from third country online platforms, noting that free trade requires rules that ensure a level playing field for all.

In his address, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Giannis Bratakos, stressed the importance of the convergence between policy planning and the market, noting that “we aspire to link the reality of the market with the planning of the national development strategy – because in the gap between them, great opportunities can be lost”.

“The changes around us require the optimal use of all the tools at our disposal, and one of the most important is the National Development Programme, as it is the strategic framework within which public investment will move in the coming years,” he said.

Referring to the prospects of the NDP 2026-2030, he said that real opportunities for modernisation and extroversion are opening up, as long as the State ensures simpler procedures and less bureaucracy, while businesses must be bold by investing in technology and their people. “Trade is the link between production and the consumer. Every reform that simplifies procedures and every programme that empowers small and medium-sized enterprises is ultimately reflected in the daily operation of the market,” Bratakos concluded.

The chairman of the Commercial Department of the Chamber of Commerce of the Chamber of Commerce, Michalis Kandarakis, also delivered a speech. Then a study by Ernst & Young on “The modern consumer and the competitiveness of businesses in the new growth era” was presented, where Thanasis Mavros, Partner of EY Greece, analyzed the multifaceted image of the modern consumer in a constantly evolving market. This was followed by a panel discussion on “Trade in the NPA: From Planning to Real Economy”, moderated by the member of the Board of Directors of EBEA, Giannis Kourtalis.

Napoleon Maraveyas, Secretary General of Commerce at the Ministry of Development, said in the discussion that “internal trade contributes to the stability of the economy” and explained: “In times of international uncertainty, an economy with a strong domestic market can rely on its own consumption. This stability reduces risk for investors and encourages both domestic and foreign investment. Domestic trade also helps the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. These firms are a key pillar of the economy and, as they grow through the domestic market, they are making investments to become more competitive.

This creates a cycle of growth: more activity, more profits, more investment. Finally, growth in domestic trade boosts confidence in the economy. When there is strong economic activity at home, it creates a positive climate that favors investment decisions. To sum up, domestic trade is a key factor in boosting investment, as it increases demand, improves infrastructure and creates a more stable and attractive economic environment.”

Stavros Kafounis, president of the Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ESEE) and second vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA), said: “The National Development Programme 2026-2030 is an opportunity that should not be missed. The Greek economy needs a modern, competitive, digitally mature and energy-efficient trade. However, in order to avoid a repetition of the phenomena of the NSRF, three interconnected interventions are needed. First, explicit inclusion of trade in the calls for proposals of the EAFRD, in all Sectoral and Regional Programmes where business support is an issue.

Secondly, especially for small commercial enterprises, to ensure simpler procedures for submission, verification of expenditure and project monitoring. The beneficiary of a €15 000 or €30 000 action cannot face the same complexity as the beneficiary of a €5 million project. Thirdly, a key success factor is the active involvement of the Social Partners and sectoral stakeholders in both design and implementation.

Vangelis Charalambous, a member of the Board of Directors of EBEA and CEO of Be Best, stressed that trade is not asking for protection, it is asking for the tools to compete, underlining that the National Development Programme 2026-2030 is an important opportunity, which will be judged in practice by whether the available tools will reach in a timely and effective manner to the real economy. The discussion was also attended by Konstantinos Panagoulias, president of the Athens Association of Commercial Agents and vice-president of VIANEX, Giannis Stasinopoulos from Active Computer Systems and Thanasis Mavros from Ernst & Young.

.