Presentation from the event Mobilizing the Startup Ecosystem of Epirus, Ioannina, 03-04-2019 in the frame of Interreg YESS

1. AETOLOAKARNANIA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
&
INDUSTRY
PROFILE

2. The first Chambers of Commerce in Greece were founded within a few years following the
creation of the independent Greek State by means of the Royal Decree of May 22ND
, 1836,
titled “On the Establishment of Chambers of Commerce and Commercial Companies”.
The effective functioning of the young Greek State, however, ran into several difficulties, and
for this reason, the problems confronted by the Greek Chambers of Commerce during this
period kept increasing until, in the years after 1885, the institution was at a substantially
downgraded state.
However, at the onset of the 20th century, several significant changes to the political,
economic and social environment of the country, in conjunction with the swift development
of international trade in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, produced a new impulse for
upgrading the function of Chambers. This led to the passage of Law 184/1914 titled “On the
Establishment of Chambers of Commerce and Industry”, the structure and function of which
was based on French and German models.
This Law regulated “the establishment of Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the capitals
of Prefectures, to be considered as public law entities, with the aim of protecting and
promoting commercial and industrial interests in their district”. The Law also stipulated the
obligatory registration of all commercial businesses.
In this new legal context, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Aetoloakarnania (herein
abbreviated as AE.C.C.I. or CCI of Aetoloakarnania) was established on December the 7th
1932 by exemption in the city of Agrinio, as being the commercial and industrial centre of
Aetoloakarnania and not in the capital of the prefecture, Mesologi. Moreover, the
Aetoloakarnania Chamber for the Professions and Small Industry was established on August
the 30th
1946 in Agrinio, too.
Since that time, the AE.C.C.I, has advised the government on a wide set of issues pertinent to
economic development and progress, and has contributed significantly to the resolution of
critical problems and the promotion of measures to the benefit of the national economy.
The active participation of the Aetoloakarnania Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the
affairs of the nation was not interrupted even during some of the critical periods of Greek
history and, under the most severe of conditions, both management and staff have fulfilled
their duties with integrity, and have demonstrated an unassuming but nevertheless concrete
example of social solidarity and patriotism.
The N1089/80 Law replaced the previous legislature, which had been extensively amended,
with the establishment of independent Chambers for the Professions and Small Industry.
Note: The prefix “N” means “Law” and precedes the serial number of the Law followed
by /Year of publication.
This Law preserved the legal status of Chambers as Public Sector Entities as well as the
obligation of membership for all companies engaged in “commercial activities”. The Law
specified the aims and scope of Chambers according to the national needs at that time and in
conformance with international standards. Perhaps the single drawback of the law was the
excessive administrative control exercised by the central government (Ministry of
Commerce).

3. The N1746/88 Law united all the Chambers of Commerce & Industry with the Chambers for
the Professions and Small Industry in the country, except from those in Athens, Piraeus and
Thessalonica. As a result, the official title of AE.C.C.I. is nowadays “Chamber of
Aetoloakarnania”, with five departments: Commercial, Export,Tourism and Transport,
Processing Units and Services.
The accession of Greece into the European Economic Community in 1981, as well as the
continuing expansion of the Community towards the European South, followed by a similar
expansion towards the North, led the Aetoloakarnania Chamber of Commerce and Industry in
the direction of a progressive reconsideration of policy and of the scale and scope of its
services.
The new requirements of Greek businesses in the context of the single European market, and
the relative change of focus away from exclusively local ways of confronting problems and in
the direction of the European way of doing business, set the stage for a gradual transformation
of scope and aim of the AE.C.C.I. Concurrently, the natural links with various sister
institutions of the Community were progressively strengthened.
The emergence of a unified European environment and the steady increase of competitive
pressures have induced, as expected, the intensification of efforts by the AI.C.C.I. towards
adaptation.
The dominant policy and belief of AE.C.C.I. management as well as staff is that, despite all
obvious difficulties, the institution will succeed in responding positively to the challenge, for
the benefit of Greek companies and the national economy.
2. CURRENT LAWS & LEGAL CONTEXT
The current legal status is set by Law N.2081/92 and N.3419/2005, Ν.4497 - 2017 which have
given new impulse to the function of Chambers and has provided for their administrative and
managerial independence.
2.1. WHAT IS THE AE.C.C.I. - PURPOSE
The Aetoloakarnania Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AE.C.C.I.):
a. Is, according to Art.1, Paragraph 1 “an obligatory, autonomous, and independent
association of natural and legal persons, conducting commercial activity in a given
region, and operates under the constraining administrative supervision of the Minister of
Commerce (with respect to the legality of its activities within the context of its statutory
autonomy)”.
NOTE: With respect to the issue of autonomy, it should be emphasized that according to
Art. 2, Paragraph 3: “Based on the principle of autonomy, Chambers have the right to act
in deviation to present statutes, but within the limits of their approved budgets, if this
would be in the interest of implementing their aims and responsibilities”.
b. Has the following aim, according to Art. 1, Paragraph 2: “The protection and
development of commerce and industry within its region, in relation to the interests of the
national economy, as well as the promotion of the general economic welfare of said

4. region. The production of expert proposals on any economic issue on behalf of the
government focused on such basic criteria as the economic development of its region and
the service of the general interests of the national economy. Also, the supply of such
expert opinion and information for any economic issue which may be of interest to its
members and to any other interested party”.
. MEMBERSHIP IN THE AE.C.C.I.
According to Art. 1, Paragraph 3, membership is obligatorily for:
a. Persons whose central business address is within the region.
b. Legal Entities and Cooperatives, if their business is commercial and their business address
is within said region.
c. Branch Offices of domestic enterprises, those of foreign enterprises, as well as those
industrial units thereof, which may be located in, said region.
The obligation of enterprises to register commences in above case (a) from the
commencement of commercial activity, in case (b) from the date of establishment, and in case
(c) from the date of installation.
At present, the number of enterprises registered at the AE.C.C.I. has just exceeded the 16,000
mark. In other words the Commercial numbers 4,500, the Exports 180, the Tourism and
Transport 820, the Services 7.500 and the Processing Units 3.000.
2.3. CONTROL OF BUSINESS NAMES & DESIGNATIONS
According to Art. 7 of the new Law, the Business Names Register has remained within the
purview of Chambers. Additionally, a new clause in this statute requires that Tax Authorities,
Courts of First Instance and Prefecture Authorities do not issue commencement licenses, do
not certify company Articles of Association or amendments thereof, prior to approval and
certification by the corresponding regional Chamber pertaining to the control of Business
Names and Designations.
3. ELECTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS (B.D.) & ADMINISTRATIVE
COMMITTEE (A.C.), FUNDING & PERSONNEL
3.1. ELECTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS (B.D.) & ADMINISTRATIVE
COMMITTEE (A.C.)
a. Every four years, the members who are in good standing with respect to the payment of
their dues elect the 31 elected members of the Board of Directors who are businessmen or
representatives of member businesses of the AE.C.C.I.
Elections for Board membership are conducted with party slates for all five departments of
the AE.C.C.I. The electoral system is by proportional representation. The distribution of
Board Seats is as follows:
• Commercial Department 10 Seats
• Export Department 1 Seat

5. • Processing Units Department 12 Seats
• Service Department 6 Seats
• Tourism and Transport Department 2 Seats
Included in the Board, besides the said 31 members, is a significant number of Advisors,
required by Law. While non-voting, Advisors have the right to participate actively in Board
meetings and represent other Chambers, commercial and industrial unions and large banking
institutions.
b. The 31 elected Members of the Board elect the Administrative Committee, which is
responsible for the day-by-day operation of the AΕ.C.C.I. The A.C. is composed of the
following five members: President, Vice President A, Vice President B, General Secretary,
Financial Supervisor, Responsible GEMI and Business Services and Business Support
Advisor.
3.2. FUNDING & AΕ.C.C.I. PERSONNEL
a. The revenues of the AΕ.C.C.I. are derived from:
 Membership dues
 Fees and rights charged for: Business names, certificates of registration and cancellation
of membership, certificates of origin, ATA Carnets, arbitration, assessments, supply of
information from Data Bank, etc.
 Income from property, such as rents, capital interests, etc.
b. Chamber personnel are composed of permanent civil servants, and private-law salaried
personnel. At present the AΕ.C.C.I. employs about 10 persons.
4. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
4.1. THE STRUCTURE
 Administrative Board
 Administrative Committee
 Director
 Legal Advisor
 Special Scientists
4.2. DEPARTMENTS
 Department of Commercial Industrial and Export Affairs.
 Department of Financial Administration
 Department of Register (record-keeping) & IT Applications.
 One stop-shop (establish companies in one day)
4.3. OFFICES
 Press Office and Public Relations
 Investor’s Information Office & Help Desk

6. 4.4. BUILDINGS & INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Head Office – Agrinio
2. Branches:
 Mesolonghi
 Nafpaktos
 Amphilohia
 Vonitsa
5. ADVISORY & CONSULTING
The AE.C.C.I. serves as an advisor and consultant to the government in matters concerning
commerce, industry and economic development policy. This mission is prescribed by current
Laws (N.2081/92, 3419/2005), as well as by the rather successful traditions of previous
decades.
In practicing its activities, the AE.C.C.I. aims at:
a. The encouragement and support of private initiative to the greatest possible extent.
b. The removal of deterrents of all types, which may impede the undertaking of productive
initiative.
c. The establishment of appropriate conditions for the promotion of new investment.
d. The promotion of competitiveness in the Greek economy.
The advisory & consulting role of the AE.C.C.I. is manifested by:
a. The formulation of positions on issues of policy in matters of commerce, industry, export
and the national economy.
b. The expression of its views on legislation prepared by the State on issues related to its
activities.
c. The promotion and publication of substantiated positions on issues affecting the business
community.
d. The invitation of politicians and other public personalities to discuss and analyze policy
and share views in public hearings in the presence of all interested parties.
It must be mentioned specifically that, as part of its mission, the AE.C.C.I. (via its elected
Board members) participates in many committees whose work pertains to the regulation of a
wide variety of economic issues.
6. ASSISTING BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
In the context of these activities the AE.C.C.I. performs the following :
a. Informs productive forces in many ways on current developments pertaining to critical
issues.

7. b. Offers financial assistance to several commercial & industrial organizations for
operational or other expenses
c. Organizes conventions and meetings for the analysis of diverse economic issues and of
specific sectoral problems.
d. Organizes trade missions to and from other countries to explore and develop bilateral
trade relations.
e. Implements European Programmes and Policies, either as being the major co-ordinator
(leader) or partner with other institutions.
f. Conducts studies on various specific issues in order to substantiate and document the
safest foundation of its own activities as well as in order to be able to recommend policy
to various governmental authorities.
g. Pays special attention to environmental issues based on the theory that such interest is not
incompatible with its support of business activity.
h. Pays active attention to the problems of the city of Athens and especially the invigoration
of its tourist activities, the promotion of its historical centre, the study of various of its
other problems such as recent research into the effects of traffic regulations in the
historical centre.
i. It has established a centre for consulting its members -businessmen and investors- on
European Programmes and Polices, Investment Opportunities in the region and on legal
and taxation matters, free of charge.
j. It publishes the bimonthly Newsletter with the distinctive title “Aetoloakarnania
Chamber’s Newsletter” which includes useful information, articles and opinion on
various economic issues.
NOTE: This bulletin is mailed free of charge to various public departments and agencies
as well as to AE.C.C.I. members.
k. Organizes one-day meetings on various issues (financial, legal, tax-related, Industrial,
commercial, environmental, quality control related, pertaining to electronic trading, etc)
as well as to present European Community Programs which may be of interest to its
members.
l. Maintains systematic liaison with a variety of international organizations and agencies, in
order to share information and promote positions serving the interests of Greek commerce
and industry.
m. Via the Central Federation of Chambers (“ΚΕΕ”), it participates in Euro-chamber
activities and monitors/ participates in its various programmes.
Based on its Members Register (which the AE.C.C.I. maintains), and on information
compiled and processed by its departments, it has put together its Data Bank, through which it
provides information to interested parties coming to its headquarters. Such information may
pertain to:
• Identity data of Companies

8. • Companies grouped by activity. Activities have been coded based on classification
system of the Hellenic National Statistical Service (“AOOA”) which is compatible with
system NACE of the European Union and system ISIC of the United Nations.
• Companies grouped by Product (produced, traded, imported, exported, represented) based
on classification system INTRASTAT of the European Union, which is compatible with
the 8-digit code of the international Tariff Classification.
• Companies grouped by Product and Country of importation or exportation.
• Companies grouped by Location (based on Area Codes) in conjunction with their activity.
• Events (exhibitions, one-day conventions, seminars, etc), local and international.
• Joint projects and ventures, offers, & demands for products and companies, which may be
of interest to domestic and foreign entrepreneurs.
• Community Programs conducted by the European Union. Information pertains to the
object and aims of each program, the official authority for submittals and the pertinent
dates.
• Useful information pertaining to AE.C.C.I.’s own activities and services, the organization
of its departments and bureaus, the documentation required for various applications, etc.
7. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Based on the theory that education and continuing education are essential factors for
economic progress and development, the Aetoloakarnania Chamber of Commerce & Industry
is devoting systematic efforts in this field.
At the same time it is endeavouring to develop linkages between the schools and production
by means of a set of concrete initiatives and policies.
With this purpose in mind, in recent years especially, it has been organizing a series of adult
education seminars, some lasting for a whole academic year, on subjects such as:
• Management methods
• Marketing methods
• Sales export techniques
• Information Technology
• Total Quality Management
• Industrial Health & Safety Standards
Several of these seminars are financed by the European Social Fund while, very often, the
instructors are university level professors assisted by experienced business executives.

9. 8. AWARDS & PRIZES
Convinced that the award of public recognition and praise to people and companies who
achieve distinction in business may encourage and motivate entrepreneurial initiative and the
practice of economic activity, the AE.C.C.I. is exploring the possibility for the establishment
a set of awards and prizes.
More specifically, these awards are:
1. For companies and businessmen:
• Prize for companies with successful export activity.
• Prize for companies, which produce quality products.
• Prize for companies producing brand-name products.
• Prize for companies engaged in innovation or producing new innovative products.
• Prize for companies exhibiting sensitivity to environmental issues.
• Prize titled “Business and Tradition” for enterprises which have been around for a long
time and those that continue to operate effectively.
• Prize for self made businessmen.
2. For university students, for essays or work related to enterprising or the conduct of
free economic activity.
3. For younger students, for essays related to private enterprise, its role and meaning for
the national economy, and in general the promotion of the entrepreneurial idea.
9. PARTNERSHIPS & CO OPERATIONS
In an attempt to improve the services that the AE.C.C.I. provides its members with and in
general, the business community of the Prefecture, the District and the Country, the AE.C.C.I.
is taking part at the following:
1. DEVELOPING ASSOCIATION OF AETOLOAKARNANIA or “EPETANET
ASSOCIATION”
 President of Board of Directors: Panagiotis Tsichritzis
 Contact Person: Rompolas George
 Number of Employees: 5
 External Experts: 4
 Legal Status: Private, Non-profit

10.  Establishment: 2002
Profile: Technical assistance to the AE.C.C.I. in carrying out programmes and initiatives
-both national and interregional- aiming at the improvement of the entrepreneurial
activity in general and the amelioration of enterprise performance in particular.
The initiatives of EPETANET are a direct response to the adopted AE.C.C.I. policies for
assisting its members. More specifically, in: SMEs growth and development (all sectors);
export-import development; sectoral issues and growth; regional development; targeted
regional and enterprise growth issues; equal opportunities; integration and re-integration
into job market; social partners cooperation; training for adults; social and economic
research issues; eco- and quality management; project management.
EPETANET was established in 2002. During the first year, EPETANET mostly assisted
the AE.C.C.I. with public relations and promotional activities.
Languages: Greek, English, Italian.
2. BUSINESS INNOVATION CENTRE OF WESTERN GREECE (BIC OF
WESTERN GREECE)
AE.C.C.I’s initiatives led to the establishment of B.I.C. (private, non profit organization)
in Patras with the co-operation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Ahaia and
Ilia. BIC’s purpose is to promote and support innovative ideas, to develop policies related
to innovation and specialization, in order to guide local businesses in the upcoming
competitive Information Technology Context. New techniques and production methods
were introduced; both applied to distinctive businesses and improved the efficiency of
their production lines. The research and the development of either new or already existing
products or services have been in B.I.C’s scope, since its establishment.
3. CENTRE FOR THE SUPPORT OF SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES OF
WESTERN GREECE.
AE.C.C.I established the Centre for Small & Medium Enterprises of Western Greece - a
private but non-profit organization – with the valuable co-operation of the Chambers of
Commerce and Industry of Ahaia and Ilia, and the Technological Business Park of Patras.
Its base is in Patras and its purpose is to support and inform the small and medium
enterprises by consulting and implementing EU Programmes, and by providing them with
other services, too. Such services are for example market data, research results on
particular business activities, current business affairs, etc.
4. MANAGERIAL COMMITTEE OF EUROPEAN PROGRAMMES OF
PELOPONNESUS, IONIAN ISLANDS, EPIRUS & WESTERN GREECE
The AE.C.C.I. played an important role in the establishment of the Managerial
Committee of EU Programmes of Peloponnesus, Ionian Islands, Epirus & Western
Greece. The Chambers of Commerce and Industry of 16 Prefectures from 4 Districts of
the Country take part in this organization. Its aim is to manage funds coming from the 3rd
Community Operational Framework Programme, in order to support the secondary and
the third production sector. Its total budget is approximately € 44 millions.

11. 10. MEMBERSHIPS
1. The AE.C.C.I. is a member of the Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of
Commerce.
2. The AE.C.C.I. is playing an active role in ETANAM SA along with other
organizations from the Prefecture of Aitoloakarnania and from the neighbouring
Prefectures of Arta and Preveza, in an attempt the eco-system of Amvrakikos gulf.
3. The AE.C.C.I. is by law member of the Central Union Of Chambers in Greece.
4. AE.C.C.I. is the foundation member of The Hellenic Chambers Transport
Association.
5. The AE.C.C.I. is a member of The International Chamber of Commerce –
Department of Greece (ICC) and one of its representatives is in the Board of Directors,
holding the A’ Vice President’s position.
6. AE.C.C.I. is a member of the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
7. AE.C.C.I. is a member of the Hellenic-Russian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
8. The AE.C.C.I. is taking part in the Developing Organization Trihonida SA
9. The AE.C.C.I. is taking part in the Developing Organization AETOLIKI SA.
10. The AE.C.C.I. is Antenna Enterprise Europe Network Competitiveness and
Innovation Programme (CIP) Hellas.
11. The AE.C.C.I. is a member of the Board of Directors of the European
organization "Nikolaos Route - La Via Nicolaiana® European Route Agios
Nikolaos of Myron".
12. The AE.C.C.I. is a member of the MIRABILIA - European Network of
Chambers in UNESCO Regions.
13. The AE.C.C.I. is a member of the Assonautica Euromed and Italian Assonautica.
Previous and current experiences in CBC and international projects
1. INTERREG III GRECIA-ITALIA 2000-2006.
a) Project KNOW HOW (LP) Training for the dissemination of know-how. Training for
entrepreneurs in the areas of internationalization of SMEs, logistics and tourism;
b) Project APOSTOLES (PP) Construction of an European and Mediterranean partnership
network to support the internationalization of SMEs;
c) Project EVENTI (PP) Participation in fairs and international events by SMEs
2.MEASURES 4.3 - RURAL DEVELOPMENT - RURAL RECONSTRUCTION 2000-2006
3.PROGRAM 5.3 "ACCELERATORS OF LOCAL EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVES
PREFECTURE AITOLOAKARNANIA "
4. DEVELOPMENT OF E-BUSINESS " MEASURES 3.1 OPERATIONAL

12. PROGRAMME" INFORMATION SOCIETY " 2000-2006.
5. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE
CHAMBER AITOLOAKARNANIA IV PROGRAMMING PERIOD 2000-2006.
6. INNACT-RWG 2002-2003 – ETPA 2000-2006.
7. Operational Programme "Human Resources Development" 2007-2013 - Local Employment
Plans, the Act "Employment Promotion Network in Aetolia".
8. Operational Programme "Human Resources Development" 2007-2013 - Local Employment
Plans, the Act "Alternative forms of employment, from traditional technologies to new
professions".
9. Operational Program "Human Resources Development" 2007-2013 - Local Employment
Plans Vulnerable Social Groups, the Act "SOCIAL SOLIDARITY".
10. Operational Programme "Human Resources Development" 2007-2013 - Local
Employment Plans Vulnerable Social Groups, the Act 'social inclusion Actions vulnerable
Agrinio Municipalities groups and Xiromerou Thermo, Aitoloakarnania regional unity.
11. Antenna Enterprise Europe Network Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP)
Hellas 2011 -2012.
12. Antenna Enterprise Europe Network Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP)
Hellas 2013 -2014.
13. Antenna Enterprise Europe Network Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP)
Hellas 2015 -2016.
14. Antenna Enterprise Europe Network Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP)
Hellas 2017 -2018.
15. Operational Programme " Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship, Innovation "- EPANEK
(2014-2020) - Priority Axis 02 and 02S "Adaptation of Workers, Business and Business
Environment to New Development Requirements", entitled "Training and Certification of
Workers in Technical Professions in the Field of Agri-Food and Food Industry, Marine
Cultivation Branch".