Region of Crete delegation joins Lead EXPORT meeting in Ireland

A delegation from the Region of Crete participated in the first bilateral educational meeting of the European Lead EXPORT (Interreg Europe) project, held on September 1-2, 2026, in Cork, Ireland. Hosted at the Munster Technological University (MTU), the event focused on exchanging expertise and best practices to enhance the export capabilities and international presence of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Cretan delegation included Maria Kasotaki, Head of the Administrative Authority of Crete, along with regional project team members, representatives from the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Cretan Exporters Association. During the visit, participants studied Irish entrepreneurship support tools, including practical guides from InterTradeIreland for managing cross-border trade.

The delegation also toured the Rubicon Centre at MTU, a startup incubator for innovative products and technologies. Additionally, officials from Enterprise Ireland presented national support programs, specifically highlighting the ‘Get Exporting’ initiative, which provides new exporters with the skills necessary to enter international markets. The goal for the Region of Crete is to integrate these European best practices into regional policies to bolster the local economy and facilitate business expansion abroad.