The turn of the government from now on and more and more in four priority areas, which is Investments, exports, ensuring healthy competition conditions in the market and enhancing the competitiveness of the economy The Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis underlined, speaking at The World Ahead 2025: Athens Gala Dinner organized by the Economist.

“Since we have managed to stabilize macroeconomic sizes, our attention is now more focused on microeconomic parameters. That is, we go through, as economists say, more than Macro to Micro »He said, speaking at The World Ahead 2025: Athens Gala Dinner organized by the Economist.

In particular, he noted that in 2025, based on the total government planning, some key priorities will evolve which include:

Investments:
-Commissioning the improving the business environment by preparing local and special planning plans, completion of the National Land Registry and accelerating the administration of justice (actions already underway). At the same time, the new development law will be sought to be more linked to the provision of additional tax incentives.
-Businesses in funding by boosting competition in the banking system and upgrading the operating room and capital market. Also, further utilization of the recovery fund’s loan side in conjunction with the Development Bank and the new National Investment Fund.

Exports:
The main goal is to penetrate new promising markets such as India and China. Targeted funding tools for exporting companies and companies participating in exhibitions, in addition to the “Extraversion of Small and Medium Enterprises”, of the recently announced € 200m program. In addition, the simplification and digitization actions of customs procedures are implemented. While the provision of tax incentives targeted in specific areas offered to boost exports is also under consideration.

Competition:
“The government will continue to intervene in cases where the market is not working effectively, as in banks by reducing or abolishing 6 categories of supplies and insurance companies with the intervention to reduce health insurance premiums,” Mr Hatzidakis noted. . At the same time, he is determined to consider remaining barriers to the market that make competition difficult and anti -development. “And the Competition Committee I am sure is intensifying its efforts to deal with cartel phenomena,” he said.

Competitiveness:
A key priority is to contain non -wage costs by reducing insurance contributions by a unit implemented this year while further reduction by half a unit in 2027 is foreseen. In improving competitiveness, the implementation of the new law on incentives and mergers will contribute to which are the most powerful in the EU, the shift of the NSRF, the recovery fund and the development bank in initiatives that boost innovation. As well as reducing energy costs with networks and enhancing human resources skills.

In the same context, tax reduction is proceeding in conjunction with the coordinated effort to combat tax evasion: “The apparent overrun of budget objectives for 2024 creates conditions for new positive initiatives. Initiatives for further tax cuts for all consistent taxpayers who will be announced by the Prime Minister in Autumn at TIF »Mr. Hatzidakis emphasized.

Referring to social policy, the minister emphasized that the aim of all this effort is to increase the disposable income and prosperity of the citizens, but based on the foundations of a serious economic policy.

“In 2025 it is foreseen: 7 earnings increases. Increase in health spending (+74% compared to 2019). Creation of social infrastructure across the country, utilizing the RIP and the Recovery Fund. Rationalizing social benefits so that they are directed to those who really need them. “he said.

Mr. Hatzidakis also referred to the positive performance achieved in these years in these areas, noting:

-Investment increase by 64% over the last five years, a percentage of the highest in the EU.
-Double -export of exports over pre -crisis levels while data on 2024 show that they will exceed $ 100 billion.
-Improvement in the OECD PMR (Product Market Regulation Index) in terms of competition.
-The reduction of a total of more than 70 taxes.

“Greece continues to be one of the few sources of ” good news ” in a hectic international environment,” the minister concluded. “Both in terms of its economic performance and political stability. And this year we may be in third place in the relevant Economist ranking, after two consecutive firsts. But for me, this distinction is, in a way, even more important because it proves that success is lasting, it is not a firework. With prudence in the budgetary and steady commitment to a truly pro -development policy we will go even further for a stronger economy and a fairer society. “