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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 15-09-25
CONTENTS
[01] Greek economy to contract less than 2.0 pct this year, Econ Minister
says
[01] Greek economy to contract less than 2.0 pct this year, Econ Minister
says
ANA-MPA -- The Greek economy is expected to contract by less than 2.0
pct, maybe even 1.5 pct, Economy Minister George Stathakis said in a
radio interview on Friday.
Stathakis noted, however: "I dare not give the exact number, but we hinted
two weeks ago that it would probably fall below 2.0 pct. Now, we can say
for sure that it will reach this level. I think a positive rate will be
seen in the first half of 2016 and surely in the second quarter of 2016".
Commenting on the absorption of community funds and investments, the
Greek minister noted: "Two days before we leave the government we signed
a new loan with the European Investment Bank, worth 1.0 billion euros,
aimed to cover funding gaps. We have received an advanced payment of 300
million euros and we expect to fully absorb 4.5 billion euros by the end
of the year. This is the biggest boost to be offered at this point".
Stathakis expressed his confidence that the first review of bailout
program will be completed on time and successfully, since the country
needed to complete the bank recapitalisation programme by the end of
the year. Commenting on the role of Task Force in Greece, Stathakis said
it could play a positive role since it was seeking –through dialogue-
to promote reforms in agreement with the government.
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