The Panel Discussion 2014 took place at the John S. Bailey Library yesterday, gathering students and faculty interested in its high importance subject: “Drivers for economic growth: The day after for Greece”. The successful event, organized by the Economics Society in collaboration with the Office of Public Affairs, featured distinguished personalities of the Economic and Banking Sector, as well as the Minister of Labor, Social Security and Welfare, Ioannis Vroutsis.
The Minister started off by pointing out the significant fundamental reforms introduced during his tenure in his area of responsibility. He explained that, during this period, the Greek state managed to design and implement patented systems (Atlas, Ergani etc.) that can give us a pool of data and trends regarding labor and social security market, most valuable tools towards meeting better employment needs and plan and develop better respective educational fields.
Mr. Gkikas-Hardouvelis outlined the difficulties encountered by the banking sector during these last few years and the major competitiveness problem that has been created. Nevertheless, he expressed his optimism that through intervention of the European Central Bank, these issues will be resolved.
Ms. Panariti highlighted the need for Greece to fully implement the rule of law, by raising a question: Do we wish to belong in the 70% of the world where the rule of law is weak and the development slow, or to be a part of the 30% where rules apply, investments are secure and growth is rapid?
Mr. Ritsonis, an economist who’s also a graduate and former professor of Economics at DEREE, addressed the issue of closed societies that allow protection of specific interests. He used examples from history to demonstrate that open economies are the key driver to prosperity.
Solid management and strategic planning for the labor market; a firm banking system that has a mutually beneficial relationship with the state; full adoption of the rule of the law; a healthy open economy system: Four drivers that can guarantee that the Day After for Greece will be a bright one.
The event was well attended and received extensive press coverage. Please find the related links below: