The Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has arranged an interministerial meeting for Tuesday in order to discuss the government’s industrial policies and the efforts to encourage job-creation and entrepreneurship. The president of the Federation of Enterprises (SEV) Theodoros Fessas, who will attend Tuesday’s meeting, will focus the high cost of energy, reducing bureaucracy and finding a solution for the “red” business loans.
Regarding energy, DEI recently introduced some changes to its tariffs, which will result in price cuts of up to 3.4% for SMEs. Additionally, the Ministries of Finances, Growth and Environment submitted a draft with favorable provisions for energy-intensive industries regarding the CO2 emission offsets. Likewise, in May the coalition government passed a law which reduces the red tape regarding the foundation and operation of businesses in the food, industrial, mining tourist and farming sectors.
As for problematic loans, the government’s intention is to introduce a new settlement for all private debt in the fall, which will aim to secure businesses and jobs. The settlement will not affect bank budgets and will support businesses facing financial problems dues to the crisis and reduction of consumption.
