Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-09-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Finmin asks firms to join goverment's exports drive

[01] Finmin asks firms to join goverment's exports drive

"Greek enterprises need to mobilise in order to take advantage of emerging opportunities, so the value of Greek products may be seen, and exports may be promoted in major markets," the minister told the start of a two-day conference on Greek food and beverages and gastronomy.

The government was trying to right the neglect of exports policy in the country's past through an action plan to promote exports, also making use of the National Exports Council and the Hellenic Exports Promotion Board (HEPO), which belongs to the finance ministry, Alogoskoufis said.

Another move to aid exporters through a more competitive economy was a development law formulated by the current government.

Within seven months, 610 investment plans totalling 1.3 billion euros had been submitted under the new legislation. Endorsed so far were 228 plans totalling 342 million euros, which would create 1,687 jobs, the minister noted.

"The economy is responding very well to the government's initiatives. Despite oil prices, the Greek economy's rate of growth remains one of the highest in the Eurozone. Growth is anticipated at 3.6% this year." he said.

HEPO's managing director, Panayiotis Drosos, told delegates that the trade board had devised a new strategy to boost exports, with the food and beverages sector showing room for growth abroad.

Working closely with HEPO were the ministries of finance, development, tourism development and agricultural development, as well as sector trade groups, Drosos added.

The conference on Greek food, beverages and gastronomy is held under the aegis of the finance ministry.

The trade board is due to announce its new business plan at Cologne's international food and beverages trade fair on October 7-13.

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