On Tuesday, April 12, 2016, the Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad, chaired by Mr. Alexander Triantaphyllides, met on the need of "Investments of Diaspora in Greece”, in view of the new development law.

The debate took place in a constructive atmosphere with the participants to agree on the importance of investment by Greeks Abroad. Initially, the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Dimitris Mardas emphasized that, at operational level, changes should be made regarding the bureaucracy, in order to further facilitate foreign investment. Taking the floor, Mr. Ivan Savidis, President of Russia Greeks referred to the development and strengthening of bilateral Greece - Russia relations and the investment incentives to be given by the Greek side. He also stressed the need for effective legislation on the support of foreign investment.

Then the President of the Association of Businessmen of Greece, Mr. John Mandrinos highlighted the need for changes in the institutional, social and structural level in order to create a favorable environment for attracting investment. Finally, Mr. Dimitri Samaras, Vice President of the Hellenic-Russian Chamber of Thessaloniki, focused on strengthening the administrative structures for achieving a stable investment framework, and on the stabilization of the tax system.

In summary, the participants agreed on the need for radical reforms to reduce red tape and taxes, with a view to improved performance of development policy in Greece.

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