In an era where global outreach reflects the vigor of Greek entrepreneurship, the Paradox Museum extends its imaginative landscape to Asia with its latest unveiling in Shanghai, China.
Embark on a transformative journey through the captivating realms of Greece with the BEST of Greece Campaign. The acronym B.E.S.T represents Beauty, Eat, Spirit, and Travel, encapsulating the essence of Greek culture, gastronomy, spirituality, and wanderlust.
Discover the enchanting journey that unfolded at Hellas House in Shanghai on May 15-16 during the BEST of Greece Symposium. This captivating event brought together leading entrepreneurs, influential investors, and esteemed professionals to showcase the finest aspects of Greek culture, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities.
On the occasion of the 5-year anniversary of the Grand Opening of HELLAS HOUSE, the landmark of Greek Culture, Business and Lifestyle in the center of Shanghai, we take a great pride to organise our BEST of Greece Symposium in celebration of this important achievement for our Group.
The Symposium focuses on partnering opportunities between China & Greece and will introduce Beauty Eat Spirit Travel, by proudly showcasing the unique Treasures of Greece in the perennial pursuit of a Healthier and Happier Life.
On the 15th of May the event will focus on a private event welcoming our current and future partners at the Hellas House and the agenda includes showcasing of the BEST of Greece and networking, followed by a private dinner in the evening.
The 16th of May is divided into a morning and afternoon event for all interested parties, agencies, partners, other stakeholders and the public.
On November 9, the first in a series of strategic cooperation projects between Hellas Group and Forbes China took place at Hellas House. Attending the exclusive “Ancient Wisdom, Modern Compass” dinner event to discuss innovative directions and business models in the new era and cross-cultural business opportunities were Hellas Group’s founder and CEO and President Pavlos Kontomichalos and President Sophia Kontomichalou, Li Siwei, Chairman and CEO of Forbes China Group, Forbes China Group Executive Director Ren Yancheng, Forbes Editor-at-Large Russell Flannery, Forbes China Group Chief Revenue Officer Qi Zhenming, Shanghai Foreign Office European Office Director Li Chunping, Director of Changning District, Weng Huajian, Vice Governor of Changning District, Vasileios Koniakos, Greek Consul-General of Greece and Italian Consul-General Michele Cecchi, and distinguished entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and sponsors from different sectors.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Pavlos Kontomichalos, founder and CEO of Hellas Group, and Ms. Tiffany Yam, Executive Director of Forbes Group.
In his remarks, Mr. Kontomichalos discussed the significance of life value as an entrepreneur responding to modern trends. He emphasized that the value of drawing upon the wisdom of the ancients transcends lifestyle, and that meaningful inspiration on how to overcome modern obstacles and challenges can be found in ancient wisdom. An inquiry into the value of life, Mr. Pavlos Kontomichalos said, can be summarized by the acronym TRUST – Trend, Respect, Unique, Sustain and Team, which combined form the basis of successful entrepreneurship, as without trust engenders positive cooperation and beginnings. At CIIE, Hellas Group additionally debuted its fourfold thematic concept of ‘EBIT’ – E (Eat), B (Beauty), I (improve), and T (Travel), as guidelines for achieving and enjoying a healthier and happier lifestyle.
The exclusive dinner culminated in a 20-minute high-quality dialogue between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Forbes Media Group Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Steve Forbes, during which Greek PM Mitsotakis shared his perspective on the positive bilateral relationship between China and Greece, and the mutual cultural attraction that has existed between ancient China and Greece since ancient times. During the discussion, Steve Forbes praised Greek PM Mitsotakis for his stewardship of Greece, and helping free the country from its decade-long economic woes through tax cuts and other reforms, calling it an astonishing economic miracle.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis also said: “Greece’s GDP growth of more than 6% this year, and this good performance helps attract new investment. Tourism, especially from China, is also expected to reap benefits. Because Chinese tourists are interested in culture, it is important for Greece to continue to build closer cooperation with China in terms of culture.” Their thoughtful conversation drew enthusiastic applause from the guests in attendance.
Forbes Senior Editor Russell Flannery, Greek Consul-General in Shanghai Vasileios Koniakos, and Italian Consul-General in Shanghai Michele Cecchi, discussed diplomatic exchanges and the promise of China-Europe relations.
Ms. Jane Sun, CEO of Ctrip Group, delivered a speech on the theme of the tourism boom in China and Europe, underscoring the fact that China and Greece are both civilized ancient countries with long history, vibrantly brilliant cultures, and beautiful scenery. She also cited the attraction of Greece’s ancient wisdom, and its historical and humanistic sensibilities, as important factors in Greece’s enduring appeal as a tourism destination.
Also invited to speak at the event were additional leading founders, CEOs, investors, economists and industry leaders.
At the end of the dinner, many guests were reluctant to leave, having been thoroughly engrossed in such an immersive high-end dialogue and forward-looking exchange of ideas. The general consensus was that it had been one of the most high-caliber and insight-rich seminars in recent years, with guests uniformly looking forward to equally inspiring seminars in the future.
The exclusive dinner marked the initiation of an exciting new strategic cooperation between Hellas Group and Forbes China Group, and spotlighted the enormous developmental potential between China and Greece. Both China and Greece have markets awaiting further exploration, and future Forbes China and Hellas Group will create an ongoing series of proprietary, co-branded events and sponsorship opportunities in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation, healthcare, experiential tourism and hospitality, education and learning, environment, personal care, the arts, and healthy life. It is believed that this exclusive dinner will serve as a platform for a broad exchange of views among participants and will promote further research and action to build a better trading environment. A fitting tribute to the power of ancient wisdom to guide, improve and innovate modern leadership!
Following the official launch of CIIE 2021, an exhibitors and buyers matchmaking party was held, with Mr. and Mrs. Kontomichalos, CEO and President of Hellas Group, respectively, in attendance. Delivering a speech was Yang Yuanfei, both a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Changning District Committee and Deputy District Mayor. During the event, Hellas Group sincerely thanked the Changning District Government for its support.
Hellas Group’s hugely popular pavilion made its 4th annual China International Import Expo. Lending their enthusiastic support during the opening day launch were Greek Consul General in Shanghai Vasileios Koniakos and and top members of his diplomatic staff.
On November 2nd, a ForbesHousewarming Ceremony was successfully held. In attendance were Hellas Group founder and CEO Pavlos Kontomichalos, President Sophia Kontomichalos, and numerous entrepreneurs and business leaders.
As a strategic partner of Forbes, Mr. Kontomichalos also took the stage to say that in order to lead in the modern world, it is necessary to learn from the wisdom of the ancients, which will be the the the guiding theme of “Ancient Wisdom, Modern Compass”, an ongoing series of co-branded activities aimed at expanding China-Greece-Europe cooperation ties in the areas of entrepreneurship and innovation, healthcare, experiential tourism and hospitality, education and learning, the environment, personal care, the arts, and healthy living.
Following the remarks ofForbes China’s President, Mr. Kontomichalos, and others, a lucky draw was held. Hellas Group’s Mr. Kontomichalos was delighted to present the 1st-prize winner with the very special prize: three nights at Hellas Group’s exclusive Erosantorini luxury villa on Santorini, worth 38,000 yuan! Runners up came away far from empty-handed, with Hellas Group-redeemable coupons and a Greek gift box containing honey, olive oil and wine!
All food and drinks enjoyed today at the event were sponsored by Hellas Group. Congratulations once again to strategic partner Forbes, on a successful move into its new offices!
Shanghai, China (September 29, 2021) – Hellas Group and Forbes China have entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen business and cultural engagement between China and Europe with a focus on Greece, the two sides announced today. The agreement aims to strengthen the goodwill that exists between China and Greece, two of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Forbes China and Hellas House will organize an “Ancient Wisdom, Modern Compass” business event at Hellas House on November 9 in Shanghai to help boost China-EU economic ties and highlight Greece as an investment, culture and business destination for Chinese businesses, investments and high-net worth individuals.
The multi-year collaboration will also create a series of proprietary, co-cultural and co-branded events, activities, and sponsorship opportunities in the areas of entrepreneurship and innovation, healthcare, experiential travel and hospitality, education and learning, the environment, personal care, the arts and healthy living.
Said Pavlos Kontomichalos, founder and CEO of Hellas Group, “Forbes China has long been a pioneer and bellwether in identifying global business and economic trends and opportunities. For its part, Hellas Group is ideally positioned to represent and champion the very best that Greece has to offer China and the world, in terms of business and investment opportunities, premium indigenous products, high-end cultural tourism and hospitality, gastronomy, and multi-faceted cross-cultural business, lifestyle, entertainment and educational initiatives.” The Hellas Group-Forbes China partnership has been agreed during what is now the officially designated Year of Greece-China Culture and Tourism, and aims to further build upon the momentum generated by historically high levels of exchanges between Greece and China, as evidenced by the 2019 reciprocal state visits of Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“Ancient civilizations in China and Greece possess rich resources to help guide business and life in our world today,” said Sherman Lee, Forbes China Group CEO. “We are delighted to be working with Hellas Group in this area.”
The Forbes China-Hellas Group partnership was announced at a signing event held at Hellas House, with Greek Consul General Vasileios Koniakos also in attendance. “The scope of cooperation between China and Greece is large, and so is the untapped potential,” Koniakos said.
About Hellas Group:
Inspired by Ancient Greek philosophical principles, Hellas Group’s vision is to empower a healthier and happier life. Its 12 companies serve as “brand ambassadors” for the best that Greece has to offer China and the world, while offering the highest standards of Greek hospitality and the finest products and services. The group’s companies encompass bespoke tourism and hospitality, Greek products, and gastronomy. Hellas House, its landmark culture and lifestyle center in Shanghai, has served as the leading hub for Greek cultural heritage and international friendship since 2018, and is a premium venue for high-end governmental and business events and visits, exhibitions, and social occasions of all kinds. For information about Hellas Group, visit www.hellasg.com.
About Forbes China:
Forbes around the world champions success by celebrating those who have made it, and those who aspire to make it. Likewise, Forbes convenes and curates the most influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact globally. Forbes China reaches more than tens of millions of readers monthly through its trusted journalism and events. For information about Forbes China, visit www.forbeschina.com.
Hellas House, a landmark Greek culture and lifestyle center in Shanghai, celebrated its 3rd anniversary, and unveiled its designation as an official year-round ”6+365” China International Import Expo Trading Service Platform. Attending the gala event in Hellas House’s Eros Garden were senior Changning District government officials, Greece’s Consul-General in Shanghai, other members of the international diplomatic community, leading International and domestic CEOs, VIP clients, and strategic partners and friends of Hellas House and the Hellas Group.
The event, which featured speeches by Hellas House and Hellas Group founder & CEO Pavlos Kontomichalos, Hellas Group President Sophia Kontomichalos, and Greek Consul-General Vasileios Koniakos, also included musical performances, singing and poetry recitals in Greek by Chinese staff of Hellas House and Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) students, and an art exhibit highlighting similarities between Ancient Chinese Oracle Bone Script and Ancient Greek Linear B characters.
In addition to the unveiling of its “3+365” CIIE designation plaque, the event showcased Hellas House and the Hellas Group of companies’ collective goal to promulgate a healthy and happy lifestyle that adheres to four key elements first proposed by Hippocrates, the father of western medicine: Mind, Body, Environment, and Nutrition. Embodying these elements were experiential display stations of quintessentially Greek core products and services offered by the Hellas Group’s companies, encapsulated by the acronym “EBIT”: E (Eat) – food, olive oil, wines – B (Beautify) – natural skin care products – I (Improve) ideals, culture, philosophy, history, mythology, cross-cultural sporting activities -, and T (Travel) – tourism and hospitality with a purpose. The event featured brands and products of the Hellas Group, comprised of Hellas House, MyOdyssey Travel, EroSantorini and Eros Cyprus, Agave, Elaion, Tselepos Winery, Amphora, Korres, Milos Restaurant, H Kitchen, and HOW.
Prior to the unveiling of Hellas House’s prestigious “3+365” CIIE designation plaque, speeches were given by Hellas House and Hellas Group founder & CEO Pavlos Kontomichalos and President Sophia Kontomichalos, who expressed their gratitude to Greek and Chinese government officials, strategic and business partners, VIP clients, friends of numerous nationalities, whose support and belief in the vision and values of Hellas House and the Hellas Group since their inception have been crucial to the success of this three-year journey.
Also addressing the assembled guests was Greek Consul-General Vasileios Koniakos, who praised Hellas House for its impressive contributions to furthering and deepening friendship, understanding, and mutually beneficial cultural and economic ties between Greece and China, and the world, poignantly stating that, despite the burdens of the pandemic, his homesickness has been mitigated by the comforts of home provided by Hellas House, its founders and friends, and its embodiment of all that Greece represents.
Their statements were followed by the ceremonious unveiling by Mr. and Mrs. Kontomichalos, Standing Committee Member Yang Yuanfei, and Greek Consul-General in Shanghai Vasileios Koniakos, with Changning District Commercial Committee Director Chen Ying and Changning District Foreign Affairs Office Director Chen Feng looking on, of Hellas House’s “3+365” CIIE Trading Service Platform designation plaque, officially establishing Hellas House as a year-round flagship exhibition hall for Greek products and services, and its role as a vital cross-cultural bridge for Greek and European companies seeking to establish a presence in Changning District and China, and for Chinese companies to enter the Greek and European markets.
Since first opening its doors on May 15, 2018, marking its and the Hellas Group of companies’ official entry into the Chinese market, Hellas House has served as a vital hub and driver for important Greece-China political, economic and cultural activities, events, initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
To date, Hellas House and the Hellas Group’s many highlights include:
Hellas House’s new official designation as a year-round “6+365” China International Import Expo exhibition hub and venue is but the latest example of the success of both Hellas House and the Hellas Group in continuing to identify, create, promote and strengthen the important cultural, trade, and economic synergies and opportunities between China, Greece, and Europe. Χρόνια πολλά!
