Energy and prices are thorns in our side

The Troika’s auditors seem to be satisfied with the progress shown by the Ministry of Regional Development and Competitiveness, according to the measures taken under the Memorandum. The auditors expressed their satisfaction in the meeting with Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis.

“It was a productive partnership”, stated European Commission spokesman Deroose Servaas. “You managed to speed up a lot of things within a very short time window”.

The auditors acknowledged 8 achievements and 3 outstanding actions yet to be taken by the ministry. The main findings are summarized as follows:
-   ESPA absorption reached 18% against the pre-set target of 15%. In 2011, the absorption will reach 36%, or 5.2 billion euro. There is a plan to create a “fast force” in every Region in order to accelerate the project.
-   Investment Law: On 15/3 the first aid programs will be presented. They will amount to 2.15 billion (650 million in subsidies and 1.5 billion net in tax reductions).
-   ETEAN: It is possible that on Thursday there will be a notice for the selection of the Entrepreneurship Fund in banks, amounting to a capital of 1.2 billion euro.
-   -Increase Exports: A work team from EOT, OPE and INVEST IN GREECE will be aimed at highlighting the common traditional “brand” and there will be a decision on whether the organisations will attend international exhibitions and which ones will be chosen.

Furthermore, a presentation of the action plan was made to the auditors in order to remove bureaucratic obstacles to entrepreneurship.

The house is within one week of voting for the competition bill. The provisions have been finalized and the dispute with the Competition Commission has been resolved.

Mr. Chrysochoidis proceeded to make a special presentation on the progress of price reduction. He stated that oligopoly exists, prices are “unjust” and efforts are being made in order to further reduce prices.

The backlog of the Fourth loan payment includes:
-Licensing and simplification of Energy procedures. “Our part has ended, but there are still actions to be taken by the Ministry of The Environment, Energy and Climate Change and the Ministry of Transportation.
-General Business Registry: One-stop shipping and supplies. They requested that they be given leeway until April in order to get the new framework ready, although it is estimated that the Registry will be ready a month earlier, in March.
- Unified Authority Procurement Organization: It is being discussed by the Parliamentary Committee. It will soon be presented in Parliament for approval.

The head of the Troika is having successive meetings with Andreas Loverdos and Luka Katseli.