Greek exports' value up 20.4 pct in Jan-July, yr/yr

First Published:	29/09/2006 13:24:37
The value of Greek exports rose 20.4 percent in the first seven months of the year to 9.493 billion euros, compared with the same period in 2005, Hellenic Export Promotion Organisation said on Thursday. A report, based on an analysis of official figures by the National Statistics Service, said the value of exports rose 11.11 percent in July to 1.424 billion euros, compared with the same month last year while it noted that from an increase of 1.607 billion euros recorded in January-July, 596 million euros were the increase in exports of oil products, 301.5 million an increase in exports of food and beverage and 301.3 million euros an increase in exports of industrial goods. Excluding oil products, the country's trade deficit rose 5.3 pct in the seven-month period, while including oil the trade deficit rose by 10.8 percent over the same period. Italy remained the top destination for Greek exports with an increase of 27.8 percent, while exports to Romania jumped 49.2 pct. Balkan states continued enjoying high rankings, with Bulgaria the 3rd largest export destination, Romania 10th, Albania 12th and FYROM 13th. Exports to third countries rose 24.3 percent to 4.442 billion euros, compared with a 5.1 percent increase in the same period last year, with exports to India and China rising by 47.7 pct and 24.8 pct, respectively. Exports to Japan surged by 69.7 percent, helped by a coordinated effort to promote Greek products in the country.
Source:  Athens News Agency http://www.ana.gr