Greek FinMin says economy to grow in 2014

For the first time, after six years, we forecast a small positive economic growth rate in 2014,” Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras said on Monday. In a radio interview, Stournaras said that a property tax –paid through electricity bills- will be reduced by 15 pct and noted that from 2014 this tax will be replaced by a new single tax. The Finance minister said the government’s policy was to reduce tax factors from now on and noted that if the government achieved to present a primary budget surplus in the first half of the year, “then our arguments to reducing a VAT on tourism will become stronger”.

Stournaras reminded that the road ahead was difficult, but noted that “it seems that the situation has stabilized. The big bet we must win now is to combine a further fiscal adjustment with economic growth. Greece has sector which could become champions in growth. We are beginning to be more optimistic”. Commenting on a reform in the public sector, Stournaras said an evaluation procedures of all public sector workers will help in upgrading the quality of the public sector.

SOURCE: ATHENS NEWS AGENCY