The belief that. "Despite the pandemic, the future is bright for Greece," said the head of the Corporate Financing Unit of the European Investment Bank. Dieter Straub, speaking at the Thessaloniki Summit 2020. organized by the Hellenic Industries Association. in collaboration with the Delphi Economic Forum.
"We have already supported significant investments in Greece in the past," he said, adding that there are "many hidden champions in Greece" and noted that there could be very good connections and collaborations between Greece and Germany, his country of origin. "We want to see and support more people to come to Greece where they can play an important role," he said, referring to Greece's presence in the fields of energy, renewable energy, renewable energy storage, and policies. as he said, they are promoted by the Greek government.
Investment estimates
The representative of the European Investment Bank characterized the effective use, by Greece, of the funds received, while he predicted that "there will be more investments that will come to this region". "We look forward to more investment coming to Greece and supporting it," he added.
On the same wavelength, the Undersecretary for Economic Diplomacy and Extroversion. Costas Frangogiannis. He stressed that despite the problems posed worldwide by the Covid crisis - 19. "Greece continues to offer an economic and investment environment that combines institutional stability and significant opportunities".
Referring to northern Greece, he stressed that "more and more foreign investors recognize that it presents great investment opportunities in a number of dynamic sectors." Indicatively mentioned technology. energy and transport and stressed that the region is finally using its potential.
On the occasion of the announcements regarding the investment of Volkswagen in Astypalea and the plan for the development of the electric drive, he announced that "the plan will start immediately, next January if the pandemic allows it" while its implementation horizon is in 2026. "I think that it is emerging as a flagship investment, which will attract further investment in the region. We are thinking of a number of relevant investments in the automotive industry ", said Mr. Frangogiannis.
Speaking at the Thessaloniki Summit, the Vice President and General Manager of Greece. Eldorado Gold. Christos Balaskas, noted: "we are absolutely committed to resume the construction work on the project in Skouries, where there is a world-class gold and copper deposit". In this context, as he said, discussions are underway with the government to amend the existing agreement and improve the investment plan. The result will be, as he noted, benefits for the state and the local community, with respect for the environment. "We started in September 2019 a constructive dialogue with the government to implement a long-term investment of $ 2.2 billion. "In addition to the 1.2 billion already invested in the Kassandra mines," he said. He also announced that of the 2.2 for. one will be invested in the next four years, three thousand direct jobs will be created. while the completion of the relevant talks is expected by the end of the year.
From his side. the president and managing director of the 4th generation technology park Thess INTEC Nikos Efthymiadis. He mentioned that there is a great investment interest for the technology park from more than 100 companies while foreign investors started visiting Thessaloniki for relevant contacts. "Collaborations are in progress with the universities as well. therefore the prospects are very great, "he added.
Finally, the investment manager of Dimand SA. Nikos Dimtsas, announced that in the real estate sector there is room for growth in western Thessaloniki which presents prospects of urban regeneration and in eastern Thessaloniki after the airport. where Thess INTEC will be developed.
In this context, there will be relevant investment moves.
[SOURCE: OPINION OF PATRAS, 8/11/2020]