Crisis: Greece, full speed ahead for privatizations
(ANSAmed) - ATHENS, DECEMBER 28 - The Greek state privatization fund (TAIPED) is racing full throttle into the first quarter of the new year, having already chosen which state assets should be the first to go, as daily Kathimerini reports.
The sale of the Public Gas Corporation (DEPA), the Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA), Hellenic Defense Systems (EAS), the Greek Organization for Horse Racing (ODIE), the LARCO mining and metallurgical company and a small number of real estate properties are the most likely to see invitations for expressions of interest in the next one to three months, according to TAIPED officials. The same sources argue that the outcome of the new privatizations being prepared, as well as those already under way, such as the state lotteries and the former airport at Elliniko, depend primarily on economic developments in Europe and to a lesser extent on the climate in Greece. A key condition will be the successful completion of the new private sector involvement (PSI+) plan, a well-informed official noted. TAIPED is also preparing for other longer-term sell-offs, such as the extension of concession contracts for the major road projects around the country, for which a solution is being sought via negotiations with the contractors. TAIPED's administration appears upbeat on the issue but hasn't revealed any details.
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