The Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, had a meeting with OECD Matthias Secretary Matthias on the sidelines of the Ministerial Conference in Paris.

Immediately after the meeting, Messrs. Matthias Corman and Kyriakos Pierrakakis made statements to ERT and journalist Thomaida Papaioannou.

Common statements of Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis and OECD Secretary -General Matthias Korman

Thomais Papaioannou:

I would like to ask you about the state of the world economy. What is your opinion on this gloomy economic perspective? And how does Greece go through this environment?

Matthias Corman:

Well, in a particularly difficult environment, the Greek economy continues to go well. It grows faster than the average eurozone, public debt is reduced at a faster rate and unemployment has fallen significantly. It has been a great job in recent years to improve the country’s friendly and political environment, and indeed, its international competitiveness is strengthened. There has been much for the digital transformation of public services and significant reforms in the judicial system, as well as many structural changes that have contributed to the strengthening of the prospects of the Greek economy. Thus, in a global environment full of challenges, the Greek economy does very well.

Pp:

And what are the challenges?

MK:

There are challenges in general in the world economy. And Greece, as an extrovert, export -oriented economy, is affected accordingly. To the extent that there are pressure on the global economy, they affect both Greece directly and indirectly through Europe. And that is why we are organizing such meetings here at the OECD: to discuss with each other, with the member countries, to find outlets, to strengthen the global economy and to provide greater security for commercial and economic policies. In order for Greece to continue to prosper, as it has done in recent years.

Pp:

And how ready are we for these challenges? Are we flexible in Europe or Greece? To say it clearly: What, for example, with duties?

MK:

Greece is in a much stronger position than in the past, so this is a very positive element. Greece’s immediate exposure to US duties is relatively limited, but of course there is an indirect report due to the impact on the global economy and Europe in particular. If Greece’s commercial partners are affected, then Greece is also affected. That is why we say to governments around the world, in all OECD Member States and beyond: When there are issues in the way world markets operate or international rules, we must sit at the same table, identify problems and solve them through dialogue and cooperation. This is beneficial to everyone. If we follow other roads, the results will be negative. That is why the meeting we have today at the OECD is so important. And it’s a great pleasure for me to be here and my good friend. We have worked in many different fields. Of course, it has been chaired at the OECD Group meeting twice in recent years. And it’s great to have him with him again.

Pp:

And what is the Greek position?

Kyriakos Pierrakakis:

What the OECD Secretary -General just said is reflected in yesterday’s publication of the OECD financial forecasts. For Greece, strong growth for 2025 and 2026, at more than 2%, is planned, mainly due to the increase in household income and explosive investment rise. But it is not the only finding of the report. There is also a reference to inflation, the achievement of primary surpluses – something we have already achieved and expect to continue in order to further reduce public debt. The overall image recorded reflects an economy with durability and strong prospects. This was also the message I had the opportunity to convey to my counterparts at the OECD ministerial meeting. Greece is trying to take on a leading role, especially in Southeast Europe, in green and digital transitions.

I would also like to express my gratitude to my good friend, OECD Matthias Secretary General, with whom we have excellent cooperation as a Greek government. We trust OECD recommendations, follow them closely and believe that the OECD can have a very productive role in the process of reforms of the Greek economy.