Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis met with Deputy Governor of the Bank of Greece Theodoros Mitrakos on Wednesday to discuss ways to relax capital controls that restrict the country’s money movement. Issues reviewed included how to speed up bureaucratic procedures for imports and exports, assist businesses and households in their financial transactions and breathe more life into market liquidity.

A statement issued by the Greek Ministry of Finance stated that “the proposals were examined by the Approval Committee of Banking Transactions for their immediate implementation.”

The meeting was also attended by the representative of the Greek banks’ association, Ioannis Mourgelas.

Early on Thursday, FinMin sources denied rumors that capital controls would be eased for deputies. He said that the same rules for citizens would apply to politicians.

Thousands of small and medium sized enterprizes are facing bankruptcy as a result of capital restrictions in force since the end of June. Turnover has dipped by 70%.