Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-02-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] SEECP chairman Greece working for European prospect of neighbouring countries, PM tells conference

[01] SEECP chairman Greece working for European prospect of neighbouring countries, PM tells conference

Addressing the ministers taking part in the conference, Karamanlis stressed that the wider region of SE Europe has all the prospects for making a leap in economic growth, adding that Greece looked to further development of collaborations in the economic as well as the scientific, cultural and educational sectors.

Referring more particularly to Greece's role, Karamanlis stressed that the country has a significant presence in the countries of the wider Balkans region, with 3,500 Greek companies active in the region as well as 800 branches of Greek banks in operation. At the same time, Greece comprised one of the biggest investors in the region, with invested capital estimated at 8 billion euros, while Greece was the top investor in Albania, FYROM and Serbia-Montenegro, second-largest investor in Bulgaria, and third-largest investor in Romania, Karamanlis said, adding that Greece could also serve as a gateway to SE Europe for business concerns.

Turning to the Greek economy, the prime minister stressed that fiscal adjustment was being achieved gradually, while important results were being produced, and outlined the steps taken in 15 individual areas of the economy, referring in particular to the taxation reform, the country's new developmental law, the new generation of denationalisations, the new operational framework for public corporations and organisations, the liberalisation of the energy and natural gas markets, and the strengthening of the country's economic diplomacy relations.

Karamanlis particularly stressed that a substantial reduction in taxation rates on physical entities was being prepared.

The Greek prime minister further emphasised the reforms taking place in the countries of the wider region of SE Europe, noting that this was the only responsible and forward-looking choice for the region's development. He noted, however, that the pace of the reforms was not always satisfactory, but added that the solutions would be provided by the individual countries themselves.

Taking part in the conference are the economy ministers of the 10 SEECP member countries -- Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, FYROM, Greece, Romania, Serbia-Montenegro, and Turkey, while Moldova currently has observer status but is slated to be offered full membership at the SEECP summit to be held in May, marking the end of the Greek chairmanship of the group, which will be assumed by Croatia. Also participating as guests are representatives of the current Austrian presidency of the European Union and the Office of the SE Europe Stability Pact Special Coordinator.

Greece's economy minister George Alogoskoufis will hold a press conference to present after the meeting to present the results of the conference.

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