The president of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry Giannis Chatzitheodosiou spoke about the risks lurking for the global, and naturally the Greek economy. “The images we see in recent days, with the escalation of tension between Israel and Iran, are not a local or circumstantial dispute. This is a crisis with international dimensions, which threatens to transform into an open conflict with unpredictable consequences both for peace in the broader region and for the global economy,” he stated characteristically.
“First, it is the duty of all of us – and especially the international community – to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy. De-escalation of tension is an urgent necessity, not only to protect human lives, which is the supreme good, but also to prevent a new, generalized destabilization of the global economy. Every day that passes with the conflict escalating increases the risk of losing control.
Energy markets are already reacting nervously. Oil and natural gas prices are recording upward trends, which burdens costs for businesses and consumers. The Middle East region is a strategic hub for global energy supply. Any disruption, especially anything that could affect the operation of the Suez Canal – through which a large percentage of global trade and energy passes – could cause serious consequences for global supply chains and trade flows,” he added.
Giannis Chatzitheodosiou on Israel-Iran conflict: Greece is in a vulnerable position
“Greece, as a country that is largely energy-dependent on imports and relies heavily on tourism, is in a vulnerable position. Rising energy costs directly hit small and medium enterprises, which are still trying to get back on their feet after the crises of previous years. At the same time, general instability in the Eastern Mediterranean may negatively affect our country’s tourism image – either due to visitor concerns or problems with international transport.
Immediate mobilization is needed. On one hand, political pressure for peaceful resolution of the crisis. On the other, domestic measures to support businesses, strengthen energy autonomy and special programs for tourism.
Stability is not a given. It is the result of collective effort and correct decisions. I hope the voice of reason will prevail, so that human lives are protected and the global economy is not led into a new ordeal,” he concluded.
