Hatzidakis holds series of meetings at OECD Ministerial Conference in Paris

Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis had a series of important bilateral meetings in the context of the OECD Ministerial Conference held on Thursday and Friday in Paris, according to a statement from the Press Office of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance.

In particular, Hatzidakis met the Deputy Secretary General of the OECD, Ulrik Knudsen, with whom they exchanged views on the course of the European and Greek economy. On his part, Knudsen recognised the progress that has been made in the last five years in the Greek economy and encouraged the Greek Minister to continue the government's efforts to cover the gap created in the last decade.

Hatzidakis also met with his Turkish counterpart Mehmet Simsek, with whom they discussed the course of the economy of the two countries. During the meeting it was pointed out the improvement of the climate in bilateral relations while special reference was made to the visa express program, which has contributed to the increase in visits by Turkish tourists to the Aegean islands.

The Greek Minister also met with Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat, with whom they exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East. Israel's proposal to the Greek side to upgrade relations between the two countries in the field of innovation was discussed, given that Israel is a world leader in this field.

Hatzidakis also met Japan's Minister of Digital Transformation, Taro Kono, who previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on the economic and commercial relations of the two countries and the effort to strengthen them further, following the recent visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Tokyo. It was also noted that last November Greece and Japan signed a Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation, which is expected to be ratified by the parliaments of the two countries in the near future.

Hatzidakis also had a brief meeting with the Swiss Minister of Economy, Education and Research, Guy Parmelin, who will visit Greece next week.