One of the most widely used construction materials, concrete is a mixture of cement, aggregates (such as sand and gravel), water, and additives. The Middle East has experienced a construction boom in recent years, driven by urbanization, population growth, and ambitious development plans. Construction sand, typically sourced from rivers, quarries, or coastal areas, is a fundamental component of concrete, mortar, and other construction materials. Clay is a primary ingredient in the production of bricks and blocks. Greece has long been an important trading hub in Europe due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its economy is largely based on services, but trade, especially imports and exports, also plays a critical role. Over the past few decades, Greece has increasingly participated in international trade, bolstered by its membership in the European Union, which has enhanced its trade relations with other European countries and beyond. However, the country's economic landscape has also been shaped by financial crises, which have influenced its trade policies and external relations, especially with non-EU countries like those in the Middle East and West Asia.
