International Exhibition Expo 2020 Dubai

The participation of the Region of Attica in the international exhibition Expo 2020 Dubai was successfully completed. This flagship global event attracted worldwide interest from a broad spectrum of institutions and businesses, with the responsibility for the Region’s participation undertaken by New Metropolitan Attica SA.

With its central theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, Expo 2020 Dubai promoted the principles of fair and sustainable development and the free movement of ideas, goods and people. It was one of the largest global trade and investment events, hosting more than 190 national pavilions, each presenting the narrative and aspirations of its respective country. The Greek participation, under the theme “Greece of Tomorrow, Today”, was coordinated by Enterprise Greece.

As part of the Greek delegation, New Metropolitan Attica SA assumed and successfully completed the following actions, in cooperation with relevant bodies:

• Designed the initial strategic framework for the Region’s participation, aiming to highlight, promote, and strengthen the Region of Attica’s brand through key thematic pillars (e.g., agri-food products, tourism and hospitality, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment opportunities) within a comprehensive extroversion policy.
• Facilitated the creation of a cooperative framework among participating stakeholders to ensure an integrated and holistic participation approach.
• Organized and operated the Project Management Team, established by the decision of the Regional Governor of Attica, Giorgos Patoulis. The team included representatives from the Region’s Directorate of Development Planning, the Directorate of Agricultural & Veterinary Policy, and New Metropolitan Attica SA, with support from the Region’s Autonomous Office for International Relations.

Role of New Metropolitan Attica SA:

The Organization provided scientific and advisory support, coordinated the smooth functioning of the project team, supported the specification and timeline planning, monitored implementation and managed potential risks—ensuring that the Region’s overall presence met its goals and standards.

The overarching objective of the integrated strategy shaped by New Metropolitan Attica SA was to enhance the international image and profile of the Region of Attica—positioning it as “present on the global stage,” ready to attract investment and showcase its growth potential across various sectors, including agri-food and innovation.

Strategic Objectives of the Participation:

• To strengthen the international brand image of Attica (Brand Attica)
• To promote exports, especially in the agri-food sector
• To position the Region of Attica as an attractive and versatile investment destination
• To provide momentum for the establishment of strategic partnerships

During the event held at the Greek Pavilion titled “Discover Attica, the Land of Opportunities”, Governor Giorgos Patoulis presented the development and investment opportunities in the Region.

Attendees were also treated to a live cooking experience by acclaimed chef Alexandros Sperchos, who presented creative dishes based on the natural products of Attica at the Efzin restaurant. Guests learned about the high nutritional value of the Region’s agri-food products and how these ingredients shape modern gastronomy.

Governor Patoulis led the Region’s delegation and hosted a formal Greek dinner at the Pavilion’s restaurant, using exclusively Greek recipes and ingredients. During his stay in Dubai, he also held a series of meetings with international stakeholders, generating highly positive outcomes, particularly in the field of investment.

The exhibition took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 20 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.