Dep. Fin. Min.: This year the Greek economy will do better than expected for three reasons

Next month we will have a better picture regarding electricity prices, which will affect inflation and the economy as a whole, Deputy Finance Minister Theodoros Skylakakis said speaking to SKAI television.

He added that the fact that the euro has risen by 10% against the dollar also contributes to this and this will also affect the prices of imported products.

However, he explained that in some products, such as wheat, prices are 2-3 months behind, as there is a time lag in inflation.

Three reasons

The deputy minister noted that this year the Greek economy will do better than expected for three reasons: firstly, tourism is doing very well and there are signs that it will do better than last year, secondly, there is a big drop in the price of natural gas combined with the fact that the warehouses remain largely full, while there is a change in the energy mix, for example we have more imports from photovoltaics and thirdly, the investment wave is swelling. Characteristically, Mr. Skylakakis mentioned that the investments that have been made are only the tip of the iceberg in relation to what is to come.

He added that getting investment grade would unlock all potential investment from big companies.

On whether we will have achieved investment grade on April 21, he noted that it is difficult for anyone to say that, because we will certainly be in the pre-election period, if the election has not already taken place.

He explained that the rating agencies see Greece much more positively, it is not certain whether this will happen before the elections, but what is certain is that we are heading there.