Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-01-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Prime minister: New Year to consolidate, widen gains

[01] Prime minister: New Year to consolidate, widen gains

"Resoluteness is required to continue with the changes and reform that have been proven to bring favourable results for all," the premier told reporters before a meeting of the Athens Chamber of Trade and Industry.

"In 2006 and in a difficult global environment, we succeeded in significantly lowering deficits, maintaining one of the highest growth rates in the European Union, strengthening competitiveness, lowering unemployment, and boosting exports," he said.

"We also succeeded in bringing back foreign investors to Greece," Karamanlis noted.

Also greeting reporters was Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, who forecast that 2007 would be a good year for all, including pensioners, companies and young job seekers.

"Reforms are starting to pay off, but our endeavour must continue in order to seek what is better, not merely what is good," the minister said.

Central bank governor Nikos Garganas reported that the outlook was favourable for the economy, but the target should be to lower inflation to 2.0%.

Agriculture and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos forecast that a high rate of aborption of European Union funds would be maintained in the New Year.

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