Tourism Key Economic Activity for Foreign Investment

Greece is emerging as a hub of inter-European networks in the Balkans and hopes to attract large investment schemes in key sectors such as energy and tourism, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos told a conference on “Greece: The Economic Center of Southeastern Europe” held in London last month.

“Greece is the guiding force in the development of the countries of Southeastern Europe and is emerging as the center of economic and business activity in the area. Our country is the center of inter-European networks in the region, both as regards electricity and natural gas but also transport and telecommunications,” he said.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said it was time for Greece to increase its promotion of tourism in the UK, while introducing realistic incentives for foreign investment in the Greek tourism market. “Tourism makes up one of the most productive sectors of the Greek economy and is the area where the Greek government will invest for the future,” said the minister.

Also speaking at the conference was Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis who focused on investment opportunities in a high-growth economy such as Greece’s. Like the development minister, he referred to tourism opportunities, but also to initiatives to develop sports installations after the Athens Olympics.

Among the speakers at the conference were the UK’s ambassador to Greece, Sir David Madden, and Foreign Office Minister Baroness Symons. Baroness Symons who, as trade minister, has often cooperated with Greek counterparts, praised Greece’s economic performance during a difficult international environment.