Compact version |
|
Wednesday, 4 December 2024 | ||
|
The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-02-19The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] New Spatial Plan for Industry OkayedPoliticsThe government committee approved on Wednesday the final text of the Special Land Use Plan for the Industry, which was presented by Environment Minister Giorgos Souflias. The plan determines the industrial areas and boosts competitiveness. Mr Souflias stated that the government is promoting a great reform, adding that for the first time Greece will have a national land use plan. "It is a very important structural intervention for the development of an exceptionally important branch of the economy," stressed the minister, pointing out that it aims at gathering industrial units at organized receptors, the decentralization of the industries, so that regional development is promoted and the environment protected. Additionally, it sets the rules and procedures that clear up the scene, facilitate investments and help in averting judicial implications. Mr Souflias explained that until today no clear land use policy for the industry on a national basis had been set up. The Special Land Use Plan and Sustainable Development for Industry will cover this crucial gap. The importance of the Special Framework for the Industry, as per the minister, becomes evident if the importance of the industry in the national economy and employment is taken under consideration. The industry represents 22% of the total GNP and continues developing even at lower pace of the average in other sectors. In parallel, it plays an important role in employment despite the relative losses, recorded by the sector (12.8% το 2005 against 14.5% in 1998). Furthermore, the industry appears to be gathered mostly in few areas, as industries highly depend on infrastructures and of big urban centre markets. This means that any violent attempts for its removal involve evident dangers for the Greece's processing base. In parallel, these zones suffer from environmental and town planning weaknesses. News item: 19118 [02] Bi-Ministerial Meeting on EconomyThe Bi-ministerial Committee on Economic Policy has been holding a meeting since 10:00, chaired by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis after the Commission made public its report on the course of the Greek economy. The committee will assess the report and present the government's plans for the next period. Yesterday, European Commissioner JJoaquin Almunia stressed that Greece, as well as five EU member-states should take measures to sanitize their economies, adding that Greece's developmental rate is positive and its deficit is not excessive. At the same time, Mr Almunia pointed out that the fiscal situation in Greece is better than the Community's average; however, it is facing excessive pressures from the market.News item: 19129 The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |