The introduction of a framework to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship within the next months was mentioned the Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakisspeaking today at the forum on “2030: The new identity of Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia – Strategy, milestones, challenges” of the newspaper Makedonia and makthes.gr.

As Mr. Hatzidakis pointed out, in 2024 the government will introduce a new law on business mergers and the encouragement of innovation, already considering tax incentives and subsidies through the NSRF. “We have twice the number of businesses in relation to the population of our country compared to the OECD average, taking into account the population of the country. This means that the business model we have today cannot go forward very dynamically. We also need to have business mergers,” he noted.

The minister emphasized the need for fiscal stability, stressing that “fiscal stability, not spending more than what we have, is a pro-people policy.” In addition, he spoke about the creation of a new production model in sectors such as agri-food, the pharmaceutical industry, startups and innovation that already show strong growth potential. “We emphasize the promotion of a new production model. Moreover, this is what the European economies that have gone forward are doing.”

In response to a question about tax evasion and fuel smuggling, Kostis Hatzidakis pointed out that “we passed an 11-level law to deal with tax evasion and now we are moving from theory to practice. This law includes, among other things, measures to combat smuggling fuel. Let’s continue with the installation of modern input-output systems. We are determined to close this issue this year.”

Mr. Hatzidakis sent a clear message to professionals regarding its implementation POS interface program with cash registers. “The program is integrated into Recovery Fund and Durability and is a milestone. If it does not proceed a part of the funding from Brussels will stop. I say this so that businessmen will close their ears to those who talk about delays. There is not one case in a billion that the measure will not be implemented. We will implement what we have committed to do. It is our obligation to our country,” he said.

Finally, the Minister noted that in the next few years, after the 30 or so projects that have been prepared for Thessaloniki, the city will rise much higher. He also recalled the completion of the metro, the fly over, the Pediatric Hospital, the three new museums, the exploitation of the camps and the reconstruction of the TIF, which, as he underlined, will change the image of the city center and give new dynamics to the International Exhibition .