[China Daily]

The bet to solve the Greek economic crisis is tough, but it is open and Greece can win it, despite the opposite projections by foreign analysts, Greek Economy Minister Louka Katseli said on Thursday.

Addressing the 14th Roundtable with the Greek government by The Economist in Athens, Katseli expressed the Greek government's determination to proceed quickly on the implementation of the necessary drastic reforms to cut a big budget deficit that has spread anxiety beyond borders and restart growth.

Katseli announced that the new bill on development will be ready by this June and Greece will focus on a strategy to boost growth.

"We are called upon today to achieve an unprecedented fiscal adjustment in the following years, saving more than 25 billion euros (US$33.1 billion) maintaining social cohesion at the same time and focusing on development," said Katseli.

Referring to the advantages of Greece, such as the geographical position, the renewable energy sources and a strong shipping industry, she noted that despite the negative climate there is still a strong interest by foreign investors who seek opportunities in the midst of the crisis.

Katseli presented the government's strategy on boosting growth the following months, focusing on the simplification of procedures to establish businesses, on the better management of Greek public and European funds and the support of the market.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2010)