Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-01-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Reforms aim at creating new, dynamic and modern economy

[02] Japanese parliament president due Sunday

[01] Reforms aim at creating new, dynamic and modern economy

Karamanlis and Alogoskoufis referred to the goals ahead for 2006, during separate statements at the annual meeting of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday.

"Society is asking us to change things. This is what we are doing, with faith in the capabilities of Greek citizens; by trusting citizens we are shaping a new future day by day," Karamanlis said.

"We are winning the battle for the reduction of deficits and we are doing so through the mildest possible adjustment. We have achieved among the higher growth rates in the EU after years of investment inactivity and Greece is finally attracting the interest of foreign investors," he added.

On his part, Alogoskoufis said that the government is forging ahead with a plan and with reforms in order to create a new, dynamic and modern economy.

The objective, he said, is prosperity for all citizens.

Alogoskoufis added that the government's economic policy is paying off, that the 2005 deficit has been reduced, that unemployment has been contained and that Greece achieved one of the highest growth rates in the EU.

Regarding 2006, Alogoskoufis said the government will continue along the same lines, adding that the deficit will, for the first time, drop below 3% of GDP.

[02] Japanese parliament president due Sunday

The purpose of Kono's January 8-10 visit is to further promote the friendly relations between Greece and Japan.

While in Athens, Kono will meet with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, prime minister Costas Karamanlis, and parliament president Psarouda-Benaki.

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