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Victoria Mindova

The growing recession and the reduction of income of the Greeks made the socialist government of PASOK to consider how to make Greek food industry and agriculture again to be competitive on the European markets. According to data presented by the statistic institute STAT BANK the decline in the food industry turnover is around 29%. On this occasion, took place the first meeting between the Minister of Economy, Development and Merchant Marine Luka Katseli, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Katerina Batzeli. In a period of crisis when according to data from the Bank of Greece the local economy registers a four per cent decrease in the economic growth, the government is trying to drive the market mechanisms in the field of production and competitiveness. Analysts commented, however, that these actions are too late because while the government responds with specific measures, the situation in the domestic economic plan will be deteriorated.

After the meeting, ministers gave a brief summary statements without specifying concrete measures that the Government is ready to take for the rehabilitation of the positive economic growth in the country. "We are fighting for strengthening of the competitivness in the country. In this context, the two ministries will cooperate closely to ensure full transparency and efficiency in processes and the trade of food products, and the ultimate goal is to reduce consumer prices," said Minister of economy and competitiveness in Luka Katseli in a brief statement after the meeting. She stressed that the public can expect results in this area in the up coming months.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Katerina Batzeli stressed on the importance for the implementation of emergency measures which will improve the quality and price of the Greek goods. The Minister explained that these two factors are in the basis for the increase in commercial exports. "Our goal is to improve the supply on the market of food products through fair competition so that cheaper and better quality goods reach to the consumers. We implement the national and European policies in this area because in times of crisis, the ever-rising prices are not only Greek phenomenon, but also European," said after the meeting th Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry.