Greek exports: the new golden age

Greek exports continue to boom, with targeted government strategy and diversified activity playing a major part in the country’s economic comeback. Today, we explore some key aspects of Greece’s promising renaissance and how the reinvention of its export credit agency will play a critical supporting role.

A Revitalised Export Credit Agency

In March 2022, the Greek Government passed a bill publicly listing its export credit agency, OAEP. As the first major overhaul since its inception in 1998, the renamed ECG Export Credit Greece promises a new business model that puts it on par with the standards of its European counterparts by offering Greek exporters access to a comprehensive range of services.

Having identified that the major obstacles for its exporters include access to working capital, a lack of liquidity, and a growing need for digital services, ECG Export Credit Greece will expand on its traditional single insurance product to develop a suite of at least ten offerings. These include new trade finance products and tools as well as consulting and support services – providing a one-stop-shop for new and existing exporters, regardless of their size. As micro, small, and medium-sized businesses make up around 95% of the country's exporters, this wraparound support will greatly help bolster their international business development and competitiveness.

Currently insuring approximately €0.5 billion and making up 1.45% of all exports, ECG Export Credit Greece aims to support €2.5 billion per year within five years(*). With growing demand and global volatility impacting the coverage offered by the banking system and private credit insurers, this is no doubt welcome news for local exporters.

Diversified Growth

Greek exporters have experienced somewhat of a renaissance in recent years, and the trend is set to continue. The country now enjoys a markedly diversified export base that no longer relies on traditional exports of shipping, petroleum, and tourism.

For the first six months of 2022, national goods exports totaled €26 billion, up 40% from the same period in 2021(*). Exports from the country’s rapidly growing high-tech sector are responsible for around 13.2% of all industrial exports(*), now surpassing Italy and Spain and almost in line with Germany.

The Master Plan

The overhaul of its export credit agency is one of many initiatives in Greece’s broader National Strategy for Extroversion 2022(*). A roadmap for growth, the plan includes 670 actions to boost the country’s international economic and diplomatic activity across 47 target countries and aims to increase foreign direct investment to 4% and grow exports to 48% of GDP by 2023.

The current trade outlook in Greece is a far cry from the crisis the country experienced in its recent history, which saw a significant slump in competitiveness and exports. By investing in credit insurance innovation, Greece will support more of its companies to succeed in the international arena, setting the country on the path to long-term resilience.