Economy
![Photo via IMF photostream on Flickr [https://www.flickr.com/photos/imfphoto/]](resources/toolip/img-thumb/2014/08/11/imf_439_1108-medium.jpg "Photo via IMF photostream on Flickr [https://www.flickr.com/photos/imfphoto/]")
IMF insists labour market reforms need to be preserved
The IMF has reiterated its key recommendations for Athens and placed strong emphasis on labour policies and continuing reforms that will foster growth and facilitate investment.
Sales of HELPE, DESFA and shipyard progress while protests hamper ROSCO, PPC
The privatisation of Hellenic Petroleum (HELPE) inched forward as the tender process for a 50.1 percent stake in the oil refinery entered a new phase.
June primary cash surplus at 6.49 bln as revenue increase offsets higher expenditure
Greece’s central government primary cash balance recorded a surplus of 6.49 billion euros in the first half of the year, Bank of Greece (BoG) figures showed on Wednesday.
More changes needed to unlock private sector's potential, report says
Greece has to take specific steps to unleash the potential of its business economy because the reforms implemented during its three adjustment programmes have not had the desired impact, a study carried out by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) argues.
Travel balance records 127 mln surplus in Q1, much improved on last year
The balance of travel services came to a surplus of 127 million euros for the first quarter (Q1) of 2018 according to figures released by the Bank of Greece (BoG).
Budget primary surplus at 617 mln in June as expenditure continues to fall below target
The budget primary balance came to a surplus of 617 million euros in the first six months of 2018, according to the preliminary budget execution bulletin for June published by the Finance Ministry (MoF)on Monday.
IMF sets date for Article IV and DSA as markets mull Greek bonds
International Monetary Fund officials are due to meet on July 27 to discuss the Article IV review regarding Greece and the latest debt sustainability analysis (DSA) put together by the Washington-based organisation, which is being keenly anticipated by investors as Athens prepares for another possible bond issue.
Delay to final tranche over island VAT as lenders quash talk of pension cut reversal
The final disbursement of Greece’s third programme has been delayed for a few days after Germany raised objections to the way in which Athens decided to extend the discount on VAT on five Aegean islands.
Building permits up by 1 pct in April and 5.2 pct in first four months of the year
Building permits rose by 1 percent in April following a drop of 2.3 percent in March, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data released on Thursday showed.
Unemployment rate edges up to 20.2 pct in April as number of employed dips
Greece’s seasonally adjusted (SA) unemployment rate in April edged up to 20.2 percent from 20.1 percent in March, Hellenic Statistical Authority’s (ELSTAT) data showed on Thursday.