T
he main problems of the market emanate
from the lack of liquidity, the negative
psychology of both entrepreneurs and
consumers, the extensive cartelization phenome-
non observed in specific sectors, and finally from
a strong bureaucratic mentality, mostly associat-
ed with business licensing and procedures
regarding accession to various programs.
The Ministry of Regional Development and
Competitiveness is required to serve two objec-
tives simultaneously: development and price con-
tainment. Our policy for attaining the above objec-
tives relies on two pillars: first, securing a busi-
ness environment that will ensure sustainable
enterprises and employment opportunities, and,
second, developing sound competition condi-
tions, which will result in best values for the con-
sumer. Transparency in the way the market oper-
ates, together with compliance to the law is what
we aim for and what will finally lead to positive
results.
Lack of liquidity, being an issue of major impor-
tance, has already been addressed by the
Ministry, on three levels: First, by means of the
National Fund for Entrepreneurship and
Development; second, through the provision of
Greek banks with loans from the European
Investment Bank, guaranteed by the Greek gov-
ernment. In this respect, Greek banks are
required to "inject" the market with business loans
at low interest rates. Third, by accelerating the
NSRF and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Trade with Greece
20
The key policy objectives and priorities of
the Ministry of Regional Development
and Competitiveness are primarily focused
on re-launching the economy, enhancing
extroversion, improving competitiveness
and promoting innovation and young
entrepreneurship.
Optimism
for
Development
By Dinos Rovlias, Deputy Minister of Regional
Development and Competitiveness
