BUSINESS & SERVICES (E-C0MMERCE)

Traditionally, the inhabitants of Lesvos were primarily engaged in the trade of local products. Today, the local economy is to a large extent based on agriculture, cattle raising, and fishing. The 11 million olive trees intensively cultivated produce an average of 15,000 tons of olive oil annually. Part of the oil is consumed domestically; most is exported to international markets. The high quality of this olive oil has been recognized internationally (the oil displays the EU P.G.I. label, signifying that it is a product with Protected Geographical Identification). Other agricultural products are fruits, vegetables, almonds, and chestnuts. During the last decade the production of honey has increased considerably, and honey from Lesvos is gaining recognition in the international market.

The cows of Lesvos, grazing on windswept fields, provide milk for the famous ladotyri, or oil cheese, which also carries the P.G.I label. Other dairy products include feta cheese (P.G.I label) myzithra or soft white cheese, yogurt, and trahanas (crushed wheat boiled with fresh sheep milk and then sun dried). Fishing contributes to the local economy, as the Aegean is one of richest fisheries in the Mediterranean. The sardines of Kallonis Gulf are distributed to international markets. Lesvian ouzo has maintained its authenticity and its unaltered distillation process since the 19^th century. During recent years, standardization in production and manufacturing has been introduced, resulting in more consistent products with international standards.

Authorities believe that value added to local production represents the most attractive area for investment in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Many of the island's products could be grown organically to become part of the growing market worldwide for organic products. In addition, introducing up-market packaging of traditional Mediterranean products could open new markets for the islands well-regarded fruits, cheeses, oils, and seafood. High quality traditional Lesvian art and handicrafts such as pottery and ceramics, woven textiles, and embroidery are sold locally and throughout Greece .

Tourism is a main factor in the economy of Lesvos and contributes significantly to the welfare of the entire island. Lesvos offers natural beauty, historical monuments, a wide variety of cultural riches that attract visitors from around the globe. Mr Spyros Efstratiou, Coordinator of the Center for Investors on Lesvos , believes that upper-end hotels represent an ideal investment at the moment, as the island is striving to attract tourists with more disposable income. The island is large, so that investors in tourism are assured of abundant opportunities and  a plentiful workforce.  High quality traditional Lesvian art and handicrafts such as pottery and ceramics, woven textiles, and embroidery are sold locally and throughout Greece.