The Greek government is introducing tax incentives and fast-track procedures in a bid to attract foreign investors to the debt-laden country, George Nikitiades, deputy minister of tourism, told a press conference at the annual ULI conference in Paris on Tuesday. 'We are trying to change the Greek mentality, we need to welcome investors and capital like all other countries in the world.'
The minister said he had already received expressions of interest from private investors in the US, Asia and Europe. 'We need investors, especially in the field of tourism, for large resorts and marinas, and any infrastructure that can help the further development of our tourism industry.'
Nikitiades said the Greek government also welcomed initiatives to harness the country's vast natural resources for green development. The disposal of state-owned buildings was also an option that was under consideration, he added. 'We are trying to draw up an estimate of government buildings that fall under the many ministries. We might not actually sell the assets, but we might think about long lease arrangements.'
The minister said he had already received expressions of interest from private investors in the US, Asia and Europe. 'We need investors, especially in the field of tourism, for large resorts and marinas, and any infrastructure that can help the further development of our tourism industry.'
Nikitiades said the Greek government also welcomed initiatives to harness the country's vast natural resources for green development. The disposal of state-owned buildings was also an option that was under consideration, he added. 'We are trying to draw up an estimate of government buildings that fall under the many ministries. We might not actually sell the assets, but we might think about long lease arrangements.'
