The SIAL 2018 exhibition was a new experience for the Ambassador of Greece in Paris Aglaia Balta. Despite her extensive experience as a diplomat, Balta was recently appointed to the French capital and had never visited the top food and beverage fair that is organised every two years in Paris. On Sunday, she attended the inauguration of the fair along with Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Vassilis Kokkalis and the head of Enterprise Greece Grigoris Stergioulis.
In statements to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, Balta said that Greece's presence at the fair is very strong. It holds the fifth place in terms of the number of exhibitors, with 275 enterpises from all over Greece present in the fair. According to Balta, "the key is not only the number of enterpises but also their high quality, which is something we see in every pavilion we visit. Because Greek products are not only good quality but also have good marketing. They will certainly do even better".
 Regarding Greek exports to France, the ambassador repeated that Greek firms "can do even better, now that the general impression that prevailed in France concerning Greece in terms of the crisis is over. It is true that after the conclusion of the programme in August, they see Greece differently. They view Greece more positively and everyone believes that they can now do business and cooperate with our country," she said.
Referring to the Greek products that have the highest export interest, Balta said that these are the classic products, such as olive oil and olives, but an effort is underway to increase this range of products. Our aim is to add processed products, as well products addressed to younger generations. We address ourselves to people interested in a healty diet and diet, who exercise and take care of themselves. This is the group we are now targeting."