Greece ‘European economy’s pleasant surprise,’ FinMin says after IMF meetings in Washington

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Greece was the pleasant surprise of the European economy that was often mentioned at the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG), National Economy & Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said on wrapping up his visit in Washington.

In statements, Hatzidakis said, “It was crystal clear in all conversations and talks I had on the sidelines of the IMF’s Spring Meetings. Greece is the pleasant surprise of the European economy. Everyone recognizes it: representatives of global organizations, financial analysts, global investment banks. Our duty is to continue the effort seriously and with decisiveness, for new and better jobs and a higher quality of life for all Greeks.”

On the sidelines of the meetings, the Greek FinMin met separately with the IMF’s Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, Director of Fiscal Affairs Vitor Gaspar, and Director of the European Department Alfred Kammer. Hatzidakis also attended a working lunch hosted by Georgieva for ministers from advanced European economies to discuss boosting the European economy’s competitiveness.

Among finance officials, the minister also met separately with investment, bank, and credit rating agencies officials. They included Goldman Sachs President and CEO John Waldron, Citigroup Vice Chairman (Corporate & Investment Bank) Jay Collins, with both of whom Hatzidakis discussed prospects in Greece, while he also granted interviews to CNBC and Bloomberg.

While in Washington, Hatzidakis also participated in the following meetings: the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, in which Greece is a regular member; the Ministers’ Summit of the Paris Pact for People and the Planet (4P) on a just green transition; the ministerial meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on countering money laundering and terrorist funding; and the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) on the progress and prospects of global economy.

On Friday, Hatzidakis had attended the IMFC’s plenary session, and then a lunch held in his honor by Greek Ambassador in Washington Ekaterini Natsika that included Greek consuls serving in the US.

Source: ANA – MPA

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