Greek Trade Body Calls for Business Support Scheme in View of Covid-19

The Greek Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen, and Merchants (GSEVEE) is calling on the government to take measures for the inevitable impact of the coronavirus outbreak on Greek businesses.

In a letter to the ministers of finance, development, health, and labor, GSEVEE is requesting that protective actions be put in place mitigating the negative effects of the coronavirus and establishing a support scheme for businesses and households.   

The trade body underlines in its letter that following the cancellation of all carnival events scheduled for the upcoming three-day weekend, the government is obliged to make provisions for businesses that will suffer economic losses. Additionally, GSEVEE adds, that the tourism sector is also likely to experience a downturn in the coming period due to fear of travel and measures implemented globally.

“Given that Covid-19 health crisis is bound to have an impact on market psychology, a national plan is needed that will deal with the health, social and economic consequences,” GSEVEE said.

In this direction, the trade body is proposing a set of “preventive measures needed to temporarily relieve businesses of their current obligations” which include compensation for losses; social insurance contribution and tax relief measures; delayed loan obligations; and extended social welfare benefits.