O
n top of the list of things to be achieved
in order to create an investment-friendly
environment I would place stability: in
the tax regime, in employment issues, as well as
in the broader social and legal context.
Second, I would place simplicity and swiftness;
and thirdly, motivation, because investors make
comparisons and take into consideration many
factors when deciding where the greatest possi-
ble profit margin is.
At the same time, our policy should create the
necessary positive sentiment towards investing in
Greece. We have started from scratch, and I
hope that we will soon be able to untangle the
current situation and make a new beginning in
terms of growth and development under better
conditions and with tangible results.
One of the main factors for growth is reinforcing
financial collaboration with other countries. In
order to focus on what we would like Greece to
put now on the investment map for the long haul,
one should primarily hold an overall, realistic geo-
economic view of things.
In today's globalized society we consider partner-
ships to be of major significance; apart from our
long-time partners, we attach equally great impor-
tance to our collaboration with emerging financial
powers such as India, Brazil, China and Russia
and the establishment of regional partnerships
(Israel, United Arab Emirates, Persian Gulf
states) ― promoting the sectors in which Greece
already holds a significant comparative advan-
tage, such as tourism, (Greece is already an lead-
ing tourism destination), energy (Greece holds a
Trade with Greece
10
This year will be one of historical signifi-
cance for our country's financial rebound
and future prospects. Growth is the great-
est challenge, and it is a challenge precise-
ly as a result of the current grim financial
landscape and the risks apparent to the
international investment community. To
achieve growth, we must work hard and
ensure an attractive environment for for-
eign investments.
Growth
is the
greatest challenge
By Haris Pamboukis,
Minister of State
