Greek economy growth

The Greek economy is recovering faster than expected. In the 3rd quarter, its growth was 2.3%, according to the latest data from the Greek Statistical Office. This is facilitated by an increase in tourist flow, an increase in consumer spending and investment. According to government forecasts, the economy should show a growth of 2% next year.

Export growth

Exports of goods and services grew by 9.5% in the 3rd quarter compared to the same period last year, Enterprise Greece reports. According to official figures, the export of goods grew by 6.2% per year, while the export of services grew by 14.5% in annual terms.

Tourism breaks records

Tourist revenue reached €16.08 billion in the first 9 months of 2019. Greece managed to surpass the results of 2018, and 2019 was a record year for Greek tourism. The latest data provided by the Bank of Greece allows us to understand that tourism revenues grew by more than 14% in the first 9 months compared with the results for the same period last year.

IMF loan

Greece ahead of schedule repaid a debt to the International Monetary Fund of €2.7 billion loans. This allowed to reduce the country's interest expenses and improve its debt profile. The repayment of the loan reflects the improvement in the financial situation of Greece in recent years.

Eurozone payout

17 Eurozone countries have agreed to pay €767 million to raise the budget of the Greek government. The money will be taken from the accumulated profit from the operations of the European Central Bank. Payments are expected to take place in the first quarter of 2020.

Tax benefits

The Greek Parliament approved a new tax law that reduces tax rates on corporate and personal income, as well as on dividends. The new law also provides for special taxation conditions for wealthy people who want to live in Greece for at least 6 months a year.

Strategic investment

The Interagency Committee for Strategic Investments of Greece approved 6 new projects with a total budget of €1.05 billion. Among them is the reconstruction of an old industrial facility near Athens. Presumably, in the process of implementing 6 projects, 1,500 new jobs will appear.

Property prices

Prices for Greek residential property rose 9.1% in the 3rd quarter, compared with 7.7% in the 2nd quarter. Of course, the restoration of housing prices in Greece is gaining momentum, and soon the value of the real estate will reach the pre-crisis level. According to the Bank of Greece, office space prices rose 2.2% in the 1st half of the year compared to the 2nd half of 2018.