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Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-07-07
CONTENTS
[01] Greece determined to cut fiscal deficit below 2.0 pct in 2006,
FinMin says
[01] Greece determined to cut fiscal deficit below 2.0 pct in 2006,
FinMin says
The Greek government is determined to cut the countryâs budget deficit
below 3.0 percent of GDP in 2006, Economy and Finance Minister George
Alogoskoufis said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, during a joint new conference with OECDâs chief
economist Jean-Philippe Cotis to present the Organisationâs report on
the outlook of the Greek economy in 2005, Alogoskoufis said the
government has already taken measures to contain spending and boost
budget revenues.
The Greek minister stressed the government would continue, in the
coming years, its efforts towards fiscal restructuring at a milder
pace. ?We will continue taking measures with the least possible
side-effects to citizens,? he noted adding that the governmentâs
intention was to promote structural changes in the economy aimed to
boost competitiveness, to contain bureaucracy and to achieve a more
effective functioning of labour markets.
The governmentâs main policy choice to promote these changes is
dialogue and consensus, Alogoskoufis said. He added that according to
OECDâs estimates, economic reforms could boost the countryâs GDP by 5-7
percentage points in the coming years and ensure a long-term rise in
exports of up to 40 percent.
He underlined government measures so far, such as reducing direct
taxation, simplifying the tax system, a new investment law and a draft
legislation on co-funded projects. The government is also promoting
expanded shopping hours and moves towards liberalizing the countryâs
energy market.
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