Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-05-22

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek PM Costas Karamanlis addresses OECD Forum in Paris

[01] Greek PM Costas Karamanlis addresses OECD Forum in Paris

The prime minister stressed that "the unprecedented increase in global transactions in goods, services, ideas and communications being observed in our times constitutes a historical continuation and not a circumstantial conjuncture", while referring to the most important economic and political events of the last 20 years which contributed to this direction.

"An unprecedented development momentum in many parts of the world has emerged after all this. At the same time, however, concern has been created over the uncertainty in employment, social exclusion, the widening of imbalances, the threat of terrorism, safe energy supply and the environment. However, regardless of convictions prevailing, globalisation constitutes a composition of opportunities and challenges," he said.

Karamanlis further underlined that globalisation "can be reined in and directed carefully for the benefit of the world community. However, targeted and active national policies are necessary. International cooperation is necessary. Efforts for common targets are necessary. The speed and the extent of changes do not allow negligence and delays."

He also referred to a phrase by Darwin to describe opportunities: "the one who survives is not the strongest or the cleverest, but he who responds to changes in a better way."

Karamanlis went on to say that "the impressive development of southeastern Europe is an indicative example. A region with a turbulent past which, however, has chosen a very promising future with its adjustment and its incorporation in the international economy."

Referring to Greece, the prime minister said that "Greece, being the only member of the European Union in the region is actively encouraging cooperation in many sectors, such as transport, entrepreneurship, trade, tourism and energy. The region is developing into an international energy centre through coordinated actions, improving the development momentum and strengthening its international presence."

Karamanlis also reiterated his determination to forge ahead with reforms, saying that "on the contrary, countries that do not dare to adopt successful reforms, countries that do not improve their competitivensss face great difficulties in safeguarding the benefits of global integration."

PM to chair OECD ministerial council on Tuesday

Prime Minister Karamanlis will chair the annual ministerial Council of the OECD in Paris on Tuesday and Wednesday on the theme "Delivering Prosperity", alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros announced on Monday.

According to Antonaros, Greece last chaired the OECD ministerial council in 1976 and, in its role as the presidency, has made a decisive contribution to the selection of topics under discussion.

In addition to the ministerial council, the OECD Forum will continue in Paris on Tuesday where speakers will have an opportunity to exchange views on balancing globalisation.

(ANA/MPA photo of Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis (R) with OECD Secretary General Donald Johnston (L) at the OECD Forum in Paris on Monday)

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article