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Thursday, 21 November 2024 | ||
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-05-04Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] OECD finance ministers examine globalisation and related issuesFinance ministers of OECD member-states examined the question of globalisation and issues related to it during a two-day session in Paris. Greece was represented by Finance and Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis.Ministers focused on ways, through international cooperation and international organisations, with which they will be able to benefit from the positive elements of globalisation and to minimise whatever negative elements exist. "We examined the repercussions of globalisation for the economic prospects of OECD countries, particularly for exports, energy, raw material prices, the imbalance of international trade and the balance of payments," Alogoskoufis told Greek and foreign journalists during a press conference he gave after the end of the session. Summing up discussions, the minister said that emphasis was placed during the session on four more issues:the deficit of investments in the energy sector, the need for promoting structural changes, the Millennium Proclamation for aid to the Third World and the deregulation of international trade. As regards investments, ministers were sceptical as to how the effectiveness of fuel and energy markets will improve. Great fluctuations in oil prices, however, are also the result of inadequate investments. [02] Tourism minister seeks cooperation with Middle East countriesMinister of Tourism Development Dimitris Avramopoulos went for a one-day visit to Dubai on Wednesday, where the Arabian Travel Market exhibit, the largest and most popular in the Middle East, is being held.Greece is one of the 98 countries participating in the exhibit with a pavilion set up by the tourism ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT). During his visit, Avramopoulos, accompanied by EOT President Aristidis Kalogeropoulos-Stratis, met with major tour operators and entrepreneurs in the sector. The minister also met with Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashed al Maktoum and President of Emirate Airlines Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum. Finally, Avramopoulos also met with President of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Jean Claude Baumgarten and discussed issues of cooperation and joint activities between the ministry and WTTC. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |