By Vassilis Kostoulas
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US ambassador Geoffrey R. Pyatt pointed to uncertainty as the biggest obstacle in attracting investments to Greece, speaking on Tuesday to a small group of local reporters.
In echoing the most positive recent statements by top European officials, the career US diplomat added that much progress has been achieved in the country, whereas just as much work remains to be finished. Moreover, he said that in his view no one is discussing the possibility of a fourth adjustment program for Greece after the current one ends in 2018.
Queried over the recent US presidential election, he underlined that US foreign policy, as expected, has continuance, something guaranteed by the country’s strong institutions, ones personified by the “checks and balances” framework enshrined in the republic’s very foundations.
In terms of the Greek economic front, which continues to generate headlines, Pyatt maintained that the country’s economy remains in a state of transition since 2009 – i.e. the very first beginning of the unprecedented economic meltdown in the country.
The “silver lining” has been a reduction in the state’s role in the economy and – as necessity dictates — an spike in entrepreneurial spirit, something reflected in the start-ups sector.
Asked by “N” to assess Greece’s readiness to lure foreign direct investments, he said uncertainty is the biggest impediment, both in terms of political stability and consistency, as well as the regulatory framework and bureaucracy. At this point, he cited the importance of interventions in favor of business activity.
He agreed with most recent predictions pointing to a recovery in the Greek economy, while simply expressing a caveat over whether the economic growth is viable.
Asked by reporters over what Athens perceives as increasingly belligerent language used by Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan, the US envoy merely replied that both countries are NATO members, while adding that the Greek side’s message is quite clear, and aims at a stable relationship with Turkey.
