The increase in industrial investment, exports and employment to industry denying those who claim that Greece “does not produce a pin” and proves that our productive model gradually differs, said Government Vice President Kostis Hatzidakis, speaking to Chalkidis, Chalkidis.

By presenting the relevant data, he pointed out that:

-Industry’s contribution to gross added value of the economy has exceeded, for the first time since 2017, that of the services. “Indeed, industry’s share of gross added value of the Greek economy reached 15.4% in 2024, from 13.8% in 2019,” Mr Hadjidakis stressed.
-The share of industrial investment in total investment stood at 17.2% in 2023, and even before the crisis it was stable below 10%.
-In 2018 industrial exports stood at about $ 20 billion, while in 2023 they increased to 33.8 billion and make up 71.4% of total exports.
-The number of employees in the industry has now risen to about 428 thousand, recording high in the last 14 years. An increase of approximately 10% compared to 2019.

“The direction the industry has taken in recent years is definitely positive. And there was no de -industrialization, “Mr Hatzidakis said. He added that progress is mainly the result of the efforts made by businesses themselves, investment and labor of employees and entrepreneurs. But also the government’s investment policy, more friendly than the recent and distant past -based past: more friendly to investment and production of business environment with:

-Reduction of tax rates and insurance contributions.
-Simplifying business licensing. “We are currently considering BSE’s proposals for 57 different bureaucracy reduction interventions, in addition to the bill discussed at the last cabinet on licensing.”
-Intending the administration of justice with the new judicial charter, the enhancement of out -of -court dispute resolution and the digitization of the courts for which € 700 million is available from the recovery fund.
-Infusion of extroversion with the recently approved national strategy.
-The special spatial framework for tourism, renewable energy sources and the industry that will be completed by the end of the year.

In this context, Mr Hatzidakis announced that a few days before the Joint Ministerial Decision approved the creation of the Asopos Oinofya Resolution Business Park.

“Thus, the informal industrial zone currently exists, in which about one third of the country’s industrial GDP is concentrated, will evolve into Greece’s largest business park through an investment of over 100m euros.” More funds and financial tools to support business initiatives and investment. “In the past there was only the NSRF.

Today, besides the NSRF there are also the recovery fund, the modernization fund, the European climate fund and the Reduction Fund. There are many more resources than any other period. And the banking system in which the industry has access to has entered a new, very positive phase. “

Encouraging smart productive transformation, with the new package to enhance innovation and start -ups based on BSE proposals and is the most enhanced in the EU on the part of the aid. Training and development of labor force skills, with an emphasis on upskilling and reskilling, skills certification and intra -business training.

On the issue of energy costs, Mr Hatzidakis also said: “The issue goes through the strengthening of networks, both internally and international interconnections, further market liberalization and the interventions that the state must make in the context of fiscal opportunities and businesses. For us there is not only industry but overall entrepreneurship, obviously with those who are most affected because they are energy -intensive. “

“We do not claim the infallible, we try to move with common sense and efficiency and following the best European and international practices. We will continue in this direction, ”concluded Mr. Hatzidakis.