Greece Aiming for Business Growth, Change of Production Model

Greece’s aim for the next six years is to change its production model and achieve growth, Development and Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis said on Tuesday, during the 2nd Thessaloniki Helexpo Forum that is taking place in the northern Greek city.

Speaking during a session titled “Reconstruction, development and expansion of the productive base of the country”, Georgiadis highlighted the government’s policies aimed to boost entrepreneurship and expand the country’s manufacturing sector.

According to the minister, the Greek government’s goal is to retain tourism as a significant part of Greece’s economic activity, but also expand the country’s production base, boost manufacturing activity and incorporate new technologies in the agricultural production.

“This is a historic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”, he said.

Georgiadis went on to add that the Greek government has included major incentive programs through the National Strategic Reference Framework (also known as ESPA) and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) for the merger of small- and medium-sized enterprises, and training programs for the development of the technical skills of employees.

Speaking during the same event, Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen & Merchants (GSEVEE) President Giorgos Kavvathas said Georgiadis’ optimistic projections were confirmed by the latest study of the GSEVEE Institute.

However, he expressed concern about the future of small and middle-sized enterprises.

According to Kavvathas, small businesses need to grow, “but this can not be achieved through acquisitions and mergers”.

On his part, Hellenic Federation of Enterprises’ (SEV) President Dimitris Papalexopoulos stressed the importance of conciliation and dialogue in achieving long-term economic growth.

He referred to SEV’s development proposals that focus on six axes: digital transformation; green development; innovation; skills; industrial production and manufacturing; and business and society approach.

The 2nd Thessaloniki Helexpo Forum is taking place in parallel with the 85th Thessaloniki International Fair in the northern port city. It will conclude on September 17.