The need for the productive transformation of the Greek economy and the transition to a new model of development – more productive, more competitive and more extroverted – was highlighted by the Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakosspeaking to the 29th Annual Economist Government Roundtable, entitled “Driving Growth in Europe”.
“Greece, in the last six years, in a political stability environment, has made very important steps. It has achieved fiscal stability and reliability, a record in reducing public debt as a percentage of GDP, significant improvements in the business environment and strong growth rates – above the European Union average, “said Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos, speaking to the Economist.
Mr Theodorikakos, however, also referred to the structural weaknesses of the Greek economy: “Greece continues to have a very important deficit in the trade balance. After a quarter of the century in the eurozone, the deficit as a percentage of GDP remains about the same. This is a serious issue. “
As he pointed out, “the major is not just to continue with strong growth rates. The quantitative increase in GDP is not enough. It is crucial to practice the productive transformation of the Greek economy: to put much more weight on manufacturing, industry, innovation and productive investment. “
Referring to the key priorities in the field of development, Mr Theodorikakos emphasized that the new development law focuses strategically on processing and industry, with particular emphasis on dynamic areas such as the pharmaceutical industry, agricultural processing and the food industry.
At the same time, he emphasized that Greece is investing in strengthening research infrastructure and research and innovation programs and proceeds to formulate national quality policy so that Made in Greece is synonymous with quality and reliability and extroversion for the Greek economy.
Referring to the simplification of the business environment, he said that significant steps have already been taken and noted that “our goal is, within the next time, a 25% reduction in bureaucratic burdens for businesses”.
Responding to a question by Economist Roundtable Joan Hoey coordinator, the Minister of Development focused on the importance of applied research and the need to significantly increase the percentage of GDP invested in research and innovation: “It is an absolute priority of the government and the Ministry of Development. That is why we are implementing the program for upgrading the country’s technological and research infrastructure, giving weight to applied research – research that leads to innovative products. “
Mr Theodorikakos made a special reference to Metlen’s strategic importance and innovative investment in the production of French, a critical material for cutting -edge technologies: “This investment is projected to allow 50 tonnes of Galli, as much as the whole of the European economy needs. It is an innovative investment that contributes decisively to the achievement of the European Union security and autonomy. “
“Innovation is an area in which Greece has taken steps, but it is also an area we are called upon to move at extremely high speed,” the Minister of Development said, referring to important measures to attract investment in the field of innovation, such as the Golden Visa connection with investment in startups and technology.