Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-01-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek budget revenue surpassed targets in 2015

[02] German Chancellor Merkel to meet President Pavlopoulos on Jan 18

[03] Russian President Putin receives Greek counterpart Pavlopoulos in Moscow

[04] Hellenic Sugar Industry needs refinance deal, Econ Min says

[05] Cosco expected to submit improved offer for Piraeus Port by Wednesday

[01] Greek budget revenue surpassed targets in 2015

Based on available revenue data (direct and indirect taxes), the revised budget estimates for 2015 envisaged cash revenue surpassing initial targets by 1.956 billion euros. The sources said that these revenue might be lowered after a revised estimate but were still surpassing the government's targets. These data will offer additional support to the government ahead of negotiations with its creditors on completing a first assessment of the economic adjustment programme.

[02] German Chancellor Merkel to meet President Pavlopoulos on Jan 18

Referring to the issues to be discussed at this meeting as well as at the meeting on Friday between Merkel and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and between the ministers of the two countries, Seibert stressed that they will discuss the improvement of the guarding of the European Union's borders, the conversion of illegal into legal migration as well as the reasons of the refugee inflow.

The German government spokesman added that apparently in Greece's case will be discussed the course of the reforms in the country.

[03] Russian President Putin receives Greek counterpart Pavlopoulos in Moscow

"The challenges are not only economic, but they also have to do with the people and the democracy," noted Pavlopoulos adding that "whatever differences between Russia and EU will be solved as soon as possible according to the institutional procedures."

The President of the Greek Republic underlined that his visit to Moscow inaugurates the Greece-Russia 2016 year and invited President Putin to visit Greece in 2016.

The Russian President expressed his content over Pavlopoulos' visit to Moscow and stressed that 37 events will be held in both countries within the framework of Greece-Russia 2016. Putin also noted that Greece is a country with which Russia has exceptional historic bonds.

On his part, Pavlopoulos stated that the events for the 2016 Year of Greece and Russia can and should bring the two countries and the two peoples even closer.

Finally, he expressed the hope the war in Syria comes to an end, peace prevails and people are protected from the terror attacks of the Islamic State that commits crimes against humanity.

[04] Hellenic Sugar Industry needs refinance deal, Econ Min says

Speaking in Parliament, responding to a question by communist party deputy Diamanto Manolakou accusing the government of continuing the EU's monopoly policy leading Greek farmers to extinction, Stathakis referred to accumulated problems inherited by the current government and said that Hellenic Sugar Industry was constantly downgraded, while production price surpassed costs.

"We have made the first move with a share capital increase worth 30 million euros to give time to take all decisions necessary to keep the company afloat. These funds were used to repay debts, while producers received 20 pct. We are giving a battle to keep Hellenic Sugar Industry open. There will be an integrated business plan for the company's development in the period 2016-2019 and everyone must contribute to promote the necessary changes," the Greek minister noted.

[05] Cosco expected to submit improved offer for Piraeus Port by Wednesday

The sources said the Chinese company could ask for a two-or-three day extension although company officials seemed puzzled by a move of the majority of Piraeus Port board members to request a renegotiation of the contract. Shipping ministry sources said that the concession contract has been completed as far as the government concerned and said that although there were room for changes, these would be minor to affect the financial offer.

The concession contract is expected to be approved by Piraeus Port shareholders and the Greek Parliament.

According to Chinese sources, Cosco seems willing to improve its offer. Piraeus Port's market value was 364 million euros currently and the Chinese company has committed to implement investments worth 350 million euros in the port.

Piraeus Port said that revenue from Pier I amounted 9,837,278 euros in the January-September period, although the Greek-listed company presented losses of 14,667,487 in that period.

The outcome of a tender to sell a 67 pct majority stake to Cosco will prove a catalyst for the wider investment climate in the country, as the government has embarked on an ambitious privatization programme seeking to sell majority stakes in the Thessaloniki Port Authority (Danish APM Terminals and ICTS from the Philipplines have expressed interest).

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