As 2019 draws to an end, we prepare to bid farewell to a year marked by several significant events thatwill influence and shape future developments and the new year ahead.
As the European Union searches for a new vision and strategy, it is apparent that new balances and alliances are being developed between its member states to promote common goals and agendas, as furtherEuropean integration continues to be hindered by delays. The upcoming Brexit and the yet to be determined framework that will dictate the future economic and trade relations between Britain and the EUwill greatly affect the level of unity between EU countries and their commitment to advanced unification.
The United States, where the economy continues to be dynamic and grow albeit perhaps at a slightlyslower pace than last year, has entered a pre-election period that is set to be highly polarized. It remains to be seen to what degree this and other recent political developments in the U.S. will affectthe country’s economy and by extension its trade and economic relations with the rest of the worldand particularly with the EU and of course with Greece, given the unprecedentedly close relationshipbetween the two countries.
In Greece, the change of leadership this past July has brought a very positive aura to the economy andinvestment landscape and has created high expectations in the country, elements that we must utilizeas soon as possible so that our country can truly turn the page. As I have repeatedly stated in theseeditorials, the country needs bold and fast reforms in order to make up for lost time and competesuccessfully in the future. The laws currently being legislated are a move in the positive direction,especially those concerning expat voting rights as well as tax and insurance. Any reforms aiming tosimplify procedures, cut red tape and improve citizen interactions with the state are highly important.Finally, it is crucial to understand, as a country, where modern business and consumer interest is nowfocusing on. The adoption of sustainable development goals is the only way forward, regardless of sector, and that signals a need for new technologies to reduce environmental footprint and trace productsin any kind of supply chain, and of course a major shift toward the circular and cooperative economy.
All the above and other equally important issues will be discussed extensively at the upcoming 30thGreek Economic Summit, the 30 year anniversary of our Chamber’s hugely successful flagship annual conference. This year titled “Turning the Odds,” the two-day event will once again bring togetherexcellent speakers and serve as a platform for exchanging views, knowledge and insights on how ourcountry can defy forecasts and forge ahead.
ELIAS SPIRTOUNIAS
Executive Director
