Addressing an event of the Panhellenic Exporters Association (PSE) on the National Strategy for Exports, Prime Minister Lucas Papademos stressed that exports are the future of  the Greek economy. "The extroversion of the Greek economy should be the main driving force for recovery and sustainable development", said Papademos, underlining that a balanced and sustainable economic growth should be based on a healthy increase of domestic consumption and a dynamic export activity.

"Let us stay focused on the targets," Papademos urged. "We will soon have stability, improvement and recovery in the Greek economy. This will come in the second half of 2013." On his part, Chairman of the Exporters’ Association of Northern Greece Dimitris Lakasas said that "Greece should adopt the model of consumption that is equal to production."

"In 2011, the export activity was remarkable," added Lakasas, noting that despite dire economic conditions, Greek exports soared by 35% last year, including petroleum products.

The event was organised by the Panhellenic Exporters Association (PSE), the Exporters Association of Northern Greece (SEVE) and the Exporters Association of Crete (SEK).