Despite earlier skepticism that Greece would have difficulty meeting the economic criteria for admission to Europe’s eurozone club, the country not only made the grade but is now poised for further growth, according to Dimitris Macrynikolas, Greece’s consul for the Southeast who is based in Atlanta.
Greece became the 12th member of the eurozone club on Jan. 1. Actual euro notes will appear in January 2002, as in the other member countries, and the local currency, the drachma, will cease to be legal tender after March 2002.
“The pro-European parties in our last elections represented more than 90% of the vote,” Mr. Macrynikolas told GlobalFax during an interview at his office in Buckhead.
He predicted that Greece’s growth rate would continue to rise citing its steady climb from 3.1% in 1998 to 4.1% in 2000.
Double digit inflation in the early 1990s has been brought down to 4.2% and the drachma is on its pre-set central parity of 340.75 per euro.
Neverthless, he said he also was aware of the economic challenges facing his country. Tight control of inflation, the budget, wages policy and public debt will have to be exerted as privatization proceeds.
Mr. Macrynikolas may be reached by calling (404) 261-3313 or by sending a fax to (404) 262-2798.