Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-05-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek PM Costas Karamanlis addresses OECD Forum in Paris

[02] Deputy FM outlines eco, developmental policy

[01] Greek PM Costas Karamanlis addresses OECD Forum in Paris

At the same time, he referred to the most important economic and political events of the last 20 years which contributed to this direction.

"An unprecedented development momentum in many parts of the world has emerged after all this. At the same time, however, concern has been created over the uncertainty in employment, social exclusion, the widening of imbalances, the threat of terrorism, safe energy supply and the environment. However, regardless of convictions prevailing, globalisation constitutes a composition of opportunities and challenges," he said.

Karamanlis further underlined that globalisation "can be reined in and directed carefully for the benefit of the world community. However, targeted and active national policies are necessary. International cooperation is necessary. Efforts for common targets are necessary. The speed and the extent of changes do not allow negligence and delays."

He also referred to a phrase by Darwin to describe opportunities: "the one who survives is not the strongest or the cleverest, but he who responds to changes in a better way."

Karamanlis went on to say that "the impressive development of southeastern Europe is an indicative example. A region with a turbulent past which, however, has chosen a very promising future with its adjustment and its incorporation in the international economy."

Referring to Greece, the prime minister said that "Greece, being the only member of the European Union in the region is actively encouraging cooperation in many sectors, such as transport, entrepreneurship, trade, tourism and energy. The region is developing into an international energy centre through coordinated actions, improving the development momentum and strengthening its international presence."

Karamanlis also reiterated his determination to forge ahead with reforms, saying that "on the contrary, countries that do not dare to adopt successful reforms, countries that do not improve their competitivensss face great difficulties in safeguarding the benefits of global integration."

PM to chair OECD ministerial council on Tuesday

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will chair the annual ministerial Council of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) taking place in Paris on Tuesday and Wednesday on the theme "Delivering Prosperity", alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros announced on Monday.

According to Antonaros, Greece last chaired the OECD ministerial council in 1976 and, in its role as the presidency, has made a decisive contribution to the selection of topics under discussion.

In addition to the ministerial council, there will also be an OECD Forum held in Paris until Tuesday where speakers will have an opportunity to exchange views on balancing globalisation.

(ANA-MPA photo of Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis (R) meeting OECD Secretary General Donald Johnston (L) at the OECD Forum in Paris on Monday)

[02] Deputy FM outlines eco, developmental policy

According to Stylianidis, Athens based its policies on political, developmental and economic diplomacy, seeking to make utmost use of its advantages to adopt a peacemaking role, since peace could not exist without prosperity and stability, development and democracy.

Greece offered 0.24 per cent of state revenue, or â¬464 million, for projects in developing countries, especially those in its immediate neighbourhood, he said. This made Greece the biggest donor to the Balkan region at this time, in addition to a major developmental programme of â¬500 million in subsidies for Greek and mixed business enterprises investing in Southeastern Europe.

He also emphasised the strong presence of Greek banking and construction-sector firms in the region and Greek economic activity in Turkey, especially in energy and services, that had led to a 40 per cent jump in exports to Turkey this year.

(ANA-MPA file photo of Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis)

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