"Greece today offers advantages that few other countries can match: political stability, institutional certainty for the investment framework, and an environment that is constantly improving, so that investments can be implemented faster and more effectively,” noted Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos, speaking at the “Greece 2030.”
Mr. Theodorikakos emphasized that “anyone wishing to make a strategic investment in the country can now contact the General Secretariat for Private Investment directly. Through the development law, procedures are completed within 90 days, while the digitization of services has significantly contributed to accelerating the licensing process. The overall picture is positive, and this is reflected in the steady increase in foreign investment recorded in our country in recent years.”
The Minister of Development emphasized that leading European powers, such as France and Germany, are going through a period of weakness and instability, while several Mediterranean countries are in a less favorable position than Greece. “A major success for our country is that it has simultaneously achieved high GDP growth and a significant reduction in public debt as a percentage of GDP. This constitutes a vote of confidence from the markets and a confirmation of our country’s credibility and stability,” he stated emphatically.
Mr. Theodorikakos also noted that “from the very moment I assumed the responsibilities of Minister of Development exactly two years ago, our priority has been the transition to a more productive and competitive economy. Our key pillars are a modern Greek industry, a dynamic primary sector, and support for research and innovation. Tourism is undoubtedly a cornerstone of the Greek economy, and we want it to remain strong, but it cannot be the economy’s sole focus. The new productive model must encompass the full range of the country’s economic activities.”
As the Minister of Development noted, “the critical question is which activities generate exports and increase the economy’s added value. That is why the strategy for the new production model emphasizes industry. The development law directs approximately 90% of subsidies to industrial production and the remainder to tourism, whereas previously the opposite was true. The tourism sector is already generating massive revenue and high profitability. It is therefore important that public funds support investments that create many jobs, increase added value, and boost our country’s exports.”
Mr. Theodorikakos also emphasized that Greece continues to face a significant trade deficit, which also reflects a competitiveness deficit. “For this reason, a different approach to work and production is required. Technical professions are now an absolute necessity for our economy and, in many cases, offer better pay and prospects,” he said.
When asked about support for small and medium-sized enterprises, the Minister of Development made it clear that “no one can sustain their economic activity in the long term by relying exclusively on the state. The sustainability of businesses is linked to their productivity and competitiveness, and Greek small and medium-sized enterprises must figure out how to become more competitive, more outward-looking, more productive, how they can generate revenue to preserve their jobs, and how they can position themselves in new sectors of the economy that offer prospects and growth potential.”
“A prime example is the shipbuilding industry, on which we are placing great emphasis to contribute to dynamic growth. We are the strongest maritime power on the planet, and we must maintain our strength in the shipbuilding and ship repair sectors. Hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises are built around shipyards and are essential; they must be integrated into the shipyards’ plans to become more competitive and productive,” he emphasized, adding:
“The percentage of our economy covered by small and medium-sized enterprises is enormous. And this is not sustainable in the long term. We will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises; there are many programs, but they must also be linked to broader reforms and changes and work together. In the economy, if you want to succeed in the long term, you must join forces to grow. We have also provided relevant tax incentives.”
In closing, the Minister of Development emphasized that “the goal is for investment as a percentage of GDP to exceed the European average. We are at 17% today; Europe is around 21%. I would like us to surpass this average and move toward a more export-oriented, more productive, and more competitive economy. The key, however, is maintaining the stability of our economy, with Kyriakos Mitsotakis as Prime Minister. In the upcoming elections, the Greek people must give a positive vote of confidence and security for the country’s future—not a return to the past.”