Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-02-21

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Exports up 13.1% in 2005, minister says

[02] Deputy FM meets with Romanian officials in Bucharest

[03] Hellenic Petroleum posts surge in 2005 earnings

[01] Exports up 13.1% in 2005, minister says

"Nevertheless, much work is still needed to boost exports and tackle factors that limit the economy's great potential," the minister told a conference for export directors held by the the Hellenic Exports Promotion Board (HEPO).

He noted that HEPO was the seat of coordinated action for companies to penetrate markets abroad that worked to spur an outward-looking approach to business.

"Apart from major target markets of the European Union, America and Japan, HEPO has also focused its efforts on major emerging markets - Russia, China and India," Alogoskoufis said. "Not only is our promotion required in the mature markets, but also our presence in markets that show positive prospects for demand for our products in the future."

The trade group had also raised the number of exhibitions it held to 38 in 2005 from 18 a year earlier; and in 2003-2004 no business delegations abroad had been held but 16 were organised in 2005, the minister noted.

In 2006, HEPO's target was to double its presence versus the previous year, and in two years time to have tripled the figure abroad, which would entail 60 participations in exhibitions and at least 31 delegations.

HEPO president Panayiotis Papastavros, who reported that the trade group was planning to create a brand name that would assist both small and large enterprises, was confident that exports would further improve in coming years.

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[02] Deputy FM meets with Romanian officials in Bucharest

Pogea, acknowledging the significant presence of Greek investment in Romania which totals â¬3 billion and is in the form of 3,100 businesses, assured Stylianidis that his country's government is working towards lifting bureaucratic barriers and ensuring greater transparency, the main demands made by the Greek business community.

He also promised the Greek deputy minister that talks will be initiated immediately either on a governmental level or with the Greek embassy regarding problems Greek companies face in their operation.

Pogea also invited the Greek business community to become active in road construction, in education infrastructure (student housing, computers) and in the energy sector.

On his part, Stylianidis conveyed the interest of Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE), of the Public Power Corporation (DEH) and of two banks in becoming active in Romania.

Stylianidis also met with the business community and assured them that the Greek government will support every healthy effort.

Entrepreneurs will be briefing Stylianidis on the problems they face during the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting on Wednesday, over which the deputy minister will preside along with Romanian Minister Delegate for Commerce Iuliu Winkler.

Finally, Stylianidis also referred to the execution of new works under the Greek Plan for Reconstruction of the Balkans. A total of â¬70 million will be allocated for Romania, he said.

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[03] Hellenic Petroleum posts surge in 2005 earnings

Management will recommend to shareholders a final dividend of Euro 0.28 per share. Including an interim dividend of Euro 0.15 per share, the total dividend for 2005 is Euro 0.43 per share, 65% higher than 2004. The total dividend of Euro 0.43 per share consists of an ordinary dividend of Euro 0.25 per share and an extraordinary dividend of Euro 0.18 per share, chairman Efthymios Christodoulos told a news conference.

Group Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) for 2005 were Euro 671 million.

Management reported that key 2005 financial indicators were as follows: