Foreign Minister Stavros Lambrinidis set out in detail the opportunities for investment and development in Greece, addressing a dinner hosted in his honor by the Foreign Policy Association in New York, where he is participating in the proceedings of the 66th UN General Assembly.
Mr. Lambrinidis referred to the factors that precipitated the Greek and wider European economic crisis, with particular emphasis on the deficit problem, the overgrown public sector, tax evasion, and the fluid situation that prevailed in financial markets.
Within this framework, he noted the sacrifices that the Greek people are making to carry through with the necessary and overdue changes in the Greek economy. He presented the reform programme that has been drawn up to confront and remedy the root causes of financial inequity, and to strengthen growth, transparency in public transactions, and competitiveness.
Mr. Lambrinidis underscored – as he had earlier in his interview with CNBC – that Greece will not default, will remain in the Eurozone and will pull through thanks to the “courageous efforts” of the Greek people.
Finally, he referred to the new prospects opening up despite the current problems, emphasising in particular the investment opportunities in Greece.
September 21, 2011