According to a report released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on Tuesday that contains analysis and projections for its 34 member countries and other major economies, exports, investments and competitiveness are expected to support economic growth in Greece over the next two years.
More specifically the report stated that “following six years of deep recession in Greece, growth is projected to be positive in 2014 and to gain additional momentum in 2015-2016. The recovery will be led by buoyant exports and strengthened investment activity, supported by improved competitiveness”.
The OECD noted that economic activity has strengthened in 2014 on the back of buoyant tourism improving confidence and a stabilization of domestic demand. The unemployment rate has decreased from its recent historical peak but remains high at about 26%.
The organization expects prices and wages to continue dropping in the next two years, although at a slower pace, while the consumer price index will remain negative. Unit labor costs will continue to decline, adding to competitiveness gains.
The country’s public debt will surpass 175% of GDP in 2014, OECD said. “Reducing it to prudent levels will require years of solid growth and a strong fiscal position and many also call for additional relief, perhaps by extending maturities and lowering interest rates on outstanding debt,” the report noted, adding that the underlying primary balance is set to improve by 0.3% of GDP over 2015 and 2016.
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