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FDI in Figures | Why You Should Choose to Invest in Greece | Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment | Investment Opportunities

FDI in Figures

The available data on FDIs in Greece should be taken with caution because they do not reflect the real situation. Compared to other countries of the European Union, the level of FDIs is low, and given the difficulties the country is currently facing, this trend should continue.

The high level of corruption and lack of transparency are the two main obstacles to the growth of FDIs.

 

Country Comparison For the Protection of Investors

  Greece OECD United States Germany
Index of Transaction Transparency* 1.0 6.0 7.0 5.0
Index of Manager’s Responsibility** 4.0 5.2 9.0 5.0
Index of Shareholders’ Power*** 5.0 6.8 9.0 5.0
Index of Investor Protection**** 3.3 6.0 8.3 5.0

Source: Doing Business - Last Available Data.

Note: *The Greater the Index, the More Transparent the Conditions of Transactions. **The Greater the Index, the More the Manager is Personally Responsible. *** The Greater the Index, the Easier it Will Be For Shareholders to Take Legal Action. **** The Greater the Index, the Higher the Level of Investor Protection.
 
Foreign Direct Investment 200820092010
FDI Inward Flow (million USD) 4,4992,4362,188
FDI Stock (million USD) 38,11942,09733,559
Performance Index*, Ranking on 141 Economies 118115-
Potential Index**, Ranking on 141 Economies 46--
Number of Greenfield Investments*** 4838-
FDI Inwards (in % of GFCF****) 6.615.0-
FDI Stock (in % of GDP) 10.913.6-

Source: UNCTAD - Last Available Data.

Note: * The UNCTAD Inward FDI Performance Index is Based on a Ratio of the Country's Share in Global FDI Inflows and its Share in Global GDP. ** The UNCTAD Inward FDI Potential Index is Based on 12 Economic and Structural Variables Such as GDP, Foreign Trade, FDI, Infrastructures, Energy Use, R&D, Education, Country Risk. *** Green Field Investments Are a Form of Foreign Direct Investment Where a Parent Company Starts a New Venture in a Foreign Country By Constructing New Operational Facilities From the Ground Up. **** Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) Measures the Value of Additions to Fixed Assets Purchased By Business, Government and Households Less Disposals of Fixed Assets Sold Off or Scrapped.

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Why You Should Choose to Invest in Greece

Strong Points
Greece's main strong points are:
- Its membership to the European Monetary Union (EMU). Today, Greece has become the economic hub of Southeast Europe;
- Its competitiveness within the active population in terms of education, manpower costs and work productivity;
- Its geographical location, which makes it a strategic link to the emerging markets of the Balkans, Black Sea, Eastern Europe and Eastern Mediterranean regions; and
- Its infrastructures, which are improving significantly, mainly due to the 3rd European Union community support framework.
Weak Points
The Greek economy has always been and continues to be subject, to intense governmental regulation. According to Transparency International the country also has to tackle high levels of corruption that affect many aspects of the economic and commercial life. In addition, growth has been financed by private sector loans and the public sector's absorption of EU structural adjustment funds, which has caused a large public deficit.
Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI
The Legislative Decree number 2687 of 1953 as well as Article 112 of the Constitution, give approved foreign "productive investments" property rights, preferential tax treatment and work permits for foreign managerial and technical staff.
Bilateral Investment Conventions Signed By Greece
To see the list of countries, click here.

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Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment
Yes
Acquisition of Holdings
A majority holding interest in the capital of a Greek company by a foreign investor is legal, except in some sensitive sectors.
 
Learn more about Foreign Investment in Greece on Globaltrade.net, the Directory for International Trade Services.
 

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Investment Opportunities

Investment Aid Agency
Investment in Greece
Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement
Mopadis, Public Procurement Monitoring Unit (PPMU)
 Tenders Info, Tenders in Greece
 Ted - Tenders Electronic daily, Business opportunities in EU 27
 DgMarket, Tenders Worldwide
Other Useful Resources
Invest in Greece
 Invest in Greece

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Learn more about Investing in Greece on Globaltrade.net, the Directory for International Trade Services.
 

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Last Updates: January 2012