Business in Crete (part 2)

Continuation, beginning at No. 10,2018

 

Education and research

A number of scientific and university centers of Crete gained fame not only in Greece, but also in other European countries. Hundreds of students, professors and researchers come to Crete from different corners of the globe to study or work and enjoy the unique way of life on the island.

One of the best universities in Greece is the University of Crete, which is located in Heraklion and Rethymnon. In Chania is the Polytechnic School of Crete, and in Heraklion – the Cretan Institute of Technological Education with branches in Chania, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. In Archanes, there are branches of the Open University of Greece and the School of Technological and Teacher Education.

The Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH) in Heraklion is the best research center in Greece. Here are the Crete Science and Technology Park (STEP-C) and the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA).

The Greek Marine Research Center (HCMR) in Gournes oversees the wonderful Cretaquarium (Cretan Aquarium) and conducts fundamental research in the biology of the Mediterranean. In Chania regional unit are located the Mediterranean Agricultural Institute of Chania and the Orthodox Academy.

Conferences and seminars

Modern, well-equipped premises are suitable for holding any conferences and training events. The rich historical and cultural heritage of Crete sets an excellent background for them.

Academic institutions and research centers often held educational lectures, run seminars, offer special educational programs, organize master classes and summer schools for listeners from around the world.

The top positions of the list are held by the conferences of the Onassis Foundation. These conferences are attended by eminent professors, who are recognized members of the international scientific community. Many are the Nobel Prize winners.

At the head of these programs are respected scientists who are at the forefront of scientific developments.

Trade shows

Crete lies at the crossroads of three continents. For successful holding of trade and industrial fairs, there are modern exhibition centers, developed infrastructure and experienced personnel. A lot of trade shows take place in Crete. Among them are fairs of local products in various cities and towns, and major international exhibitions on spacious venues such as the international exhibition center of Crete. High standards of organization ensure effective promotion of goods and their producers.

The municipal and regional authorities of Crete play an important role in these activities, finance and advertise exhibitions with the aim to increase the competitiveness of local enterprises.

Business meetings

For success of important meetings, interviews and business negotiations, there are conference centers with necessary infrastructure.

Local governments and companies can organize business meetings, providing equipment, and well-trained staff for achieving best results.

Guests from Greece and abroad can discuss and conclude new agreements in ideal conditions, for example, during an exquisite dinner prepared by the best chefs of international and Mediterranean cuisine.

Job in Crete

Every year many specialists come to work at various companies and research centers in Crete, attracted by favorable conditions, and the labor laws of Greece. Another advantage is a beautiful sunny place with sea and magical scenery of the island.

The existing conditions create fertile ground for the conclusion of new agreements on services and supplies, so that representatives of large companies, business groups, and even politicians often come here.

Local trade associations, authorities, chambers of commerce and industry contribute in every way to the conclusion of new trade agreements: they organize excursions around the island, meetings with local businessmen, and seek to maintain general enabling environment.

Volunteering in Crete

A lot of young people from all over the world come to Crete to work in organizations for the protection of nature, providing their volunteers with free living and working in a pleasant atmosphere, giving opportunities to make new friends, and discover the beauty of Crete.

Well-known international environmental organizations, such as WWF, have permanent missions on the island that are involved in protecting wetlands, birds, forests and dealing with other environmental problems. In the summer, dozens of young people help organizations such as Archelon to rescue sea turtles on the beaches of Rethymno, Chania and Messara. After a short training the volunteers go out to the beaches and inform the holidaymakers about the need to protect the turtle’s nests, take care of the wounded animals, and help the hatched turtles to find a way to the sea.

The volunteer movement has become widespread in Crete; volunteers are attracted to a variety of local organizations and committees. In addition to various environmental associations struggling with environmental degradation and industrial methods of using renewable energy sources, there are groups of volunteers in other areas engaged, for example, in the protection and preservation of traditional architecture, in raising public awareness about cancer, in promoting donation, in combating domestic violence, and in other important issues.