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This increase derives from all categories of products. We strongly believe in the combination of traditional and innovative products, the promotion of both quality and know-how in all sectors. It is extremely positive that the Government and especially the Ministry of Regional Development & Competitiveness is working on the National Branding of Greece, in order to communicate the quality of Greek products worldwide. This will also orientate the basis of Greek production towards global demand needs and provisions and hopefully provide extra dynamic to Greek Exports.

What are the difficulties experienced so far and what is the role of government in facilitating Greek exports?

Greek products are often considered expensive, especially in developing markets. This is because they are burdened by heavy red-tape costs and taxation, which increased further last year. The other main restriction for exports is the lack of cash flows and the renewal of finance lines through the banks, due to the economic crisis. The Ministry of Regional Development & Competitiveness has implemented after consensus with the Exporters Associations a National Strategy for Exports. This Strategy has led to the introduction – for the first time – of Programs for the support of exports enterprises in order to promote their products abroad. Soon the Go2Market Fund will be activated providing more funds for Exporters.

What immediate measures should the Greek state take to facilitate exports?

The Ministry has also created an One Stop Shop for start ups and has simplified the procedures for exporting and re-exporting products from Greece, cutting a great deal of red tape and bureaucratic delays on that matter. The next step will be to boost cash flows and finance lines for exporting enterprises. We still expect more on the taxation field and especially the VAT refunds, but we are optimistic.

The French Philosopher Emil said: “Le pessimisme est d'humeur; l'optimisme est de volonté” /Pessimism is the mood, optimism is the will/. We at the Panhellenic Exporters Association are optimists by choice and by will and we address first of all to all of our neighbours, in the Balkans, NE Europe, North Africa and Middle East, to come and DO BUSINESS with Greece. The Chinese write the word “crisis” with 2 ideograms. One means “danger” and the other “opportunity”. Greece is both safe and full of opportunities for business deals.