GSEVEE

In the framework of the annual participation of GSEVEE and IME GSEVEE at the 82nd Thessaloniki International Fair, the President of GSEVEE met with the Deputy Minister of the Interior (Macedonia-Thrace) Maria Kollia-Tsaroucha, discussing the course of the economy and boosting entrepreneurship in Northern Greece. The Chairman of the GSEVEE handed over to the Undersecretary of State the six-month research of the economic climate of FSE GSEVEE, pointed out the improvement of the economic indicators and the need for immediate measures to stabilize the economy. It underlined the importance of taking concrete initiatives to stimulate investment and employment in Macedonia and Thrace as well as to promote appropriate structural changes in the productive model for the benefit of local businesses. He also mentioned that FIE GSEVEE is taking an initiative to develop a study of the existing situation of enterprises and to submit a comprehensive set of proposals on the problems faced by small businesses in Northern Greece due to cross-border trafficking and unfair competition as well as the transfer of business to neighboring countries.

The Minister, Ms. Maria Kollia-Tsaroucha pledged to broaden the framework for cooperation with the country’s social partners and producers while stressing that GSEVEE’s role is central to promoting the positions of small and medium-sized enterprises.

With its own stand, GSEVEE participates this year at the 82nd Thessaloniki International Fair, giving visitors the opportunity to be informed about the actions of GSEVEE aiming at the development of the Greek economy and the defense of the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises, self-employed and traders.

Within the framework of individualized business support, the booth will include material with the studies and actions of the GSEVEE Small Business Institute as well as the activities of the Center for Vocational Training of GSEVEE. In addition, there will be material for the Citizens Movement “I’m consuming what I’m producing”, and the Organization for the Promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (OPEEDD).

The inauguration of the GSEVEE booth will take place on Sunday, September 10 at stand 15 stand 28.

Duration of exhibition: 9-17 September 2017

Working hours:

Saturday / Sunday: 10.00 – 22.00

Daily: 16.00 – 22.00

At the offices of Khar. Trikoupi held a meeting of the Social Partners’ Administrations with the PASOK President and the Head of the Democratic Compensation, on Wednesday 6 September. Fofi Gennimata, with the aim of presenting the positions of the organizations in view of the TIF and the promotion of the “project Greece” program elaborated by the Democratic Compatriation.

The President of GSEVEE Mr. G. Kavathas presented the findings of the recent six-month study of the economic climate of FHWG and analyzed the strategic areas to which economic policy should focus in the following period:

1. resolving the girdle of over-indebtedness and effectively implementing the out-of-court private debt management mechanism,
2. reduction of over-taxation and insurance charges,
3. promotion of modern financing institutions and tools to improve liquidity and the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the development dividend (development bank, microfinance, cooperative schemes),
4. expanding electronic transactions and institutionalizing a bizarre business account,

The President of GSEVEE invited the Democratic Compatriation and the President Mrs. Gennady supports GSEVEE’s proposals that represent 99.6% of enterprises in the country, both in the form of a medium to long-term strategy for the country’s productive reconstruction, as well as in the policy-specific strand of support for domestic small and medium-sized enterprises.

A meeting with the former Minister, a Democrat co-deputy MP and a candidate for the presidency of the newly established Central Left Party, Mr. Yannis Maniatis, was held by the President of GSEVEE, Mr. George Kavathas. The President of GSEVEE briefed Mr. Giannis Maniatis on the results of the survey conducted by FSEEF’s FMI and discussed the issues that concern small and medium-sized enterprises. Mr. Yannis Maniatis stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises should be supported in every possible way in order to create sustainable jobs. For his part, Mr. George Kavathas stressed that the structural problems of the Greek economy should be solved and that there should be a national consensus on the big and serious issues of the domestic market, such as the reduction of taxation, the simplification of the licensing procedures for enterprises, the more efficient functioning of the state and of justice, the strengthening of clusters, etc.

RETURN TO REGULARITY FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM – SIZED ENTERPRISES – IMPROVING ECONOMIC INDICATORS, BUT LOST THE STRUCTURAL INCIDENTIALS THAT WANT DEMAND AND INVESTMENTS

IMPORTANT CHALLENGE OF THE PARTICIPATION OF SMALL ENTERPRISES IN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

The first half of 2017 marks the gradual return of economic activity to a minimum of normality, which is manifested by the simultaneous improvement in the economic and macroeconomic environment indicators, which all other parameters are constantly anticipating – the medium-term sustainability of a stable growth rate across the economy. Under the current circumstances, the projection of a 2% annual growth rate approach in 2017 seems realistic and achievable. It should be borne in mind that the elimination of uncertainties about the outcome of the negotiation and the conclusion of the second assessment (which is observed in each round of evaluations and distorted duplication of publications) from the equation of the Greek economy creates a more favorable environment for businesses, households , financial stability and investment initiatives.

The decline in unemployment, the achievement and over-achievement of fiscal targets, the positive balance of business write-offs, the strong performance in the tourism industry are undoubtedly positive developments for the Greek economy. Without neglecting the negative effects of a rigorous fiscal adjustment policy, it is evident that at this stage in the economic cycle the marginal effect of the contraction and the negative multiplier is marginal. However, postponing measures for the next two years (with regard to tax-free and pension-related interventions) simply postpones the economic decisions of households and small businesses in the future, coupled with low savings and a reduction in disposable income, leads to a deterioration in the demand and investment indicators of small businesses (a finding also emerging from official data).

On the supply side, the difficulties faced by businesses remain with the previous accumulation of financial obligations, with 1 in 3 having late debts, either in public insurance funds or in banks, in the private sector. Effective enforcement of the out-of-court debt settlement mechanism will determine to a large extent the form that the new economic allocation will take in the country in the coming years.

Alongside the existence of a number of businesses responding and keeping pace with growth dynamics, a significant proportion of enterprises (over 50%), which is governed by the characteristics of “need entrepreneurship”, contributes significantly to employment. Thus, the phenomenon of informal entrepreneurship and undeclared / undeclared work does not seem to subside and takes on new forms.

Structural problems are most evident in micro-enterprises and self-employed, for which there is a lack of a coherent framework for enhancing liquidity and ensuring their sustainability, either through widening their participation in wider clusters or through their inclusion in value chains and opening up to new over-the-top markets. Small manufacturing enterprises, which have such opportunities to overcome the narrow business horizon, – unlike commercial ones – are unable to compete in the existing overbilling and networking environment.

IME GSEVEE’s economic conjuncture confirms the positive trajectory of the Greek economy and at the same time demonstrates the need to develop specific policies that focus on the needs of the small manufacturing unit and will financially facilitate small and medium-sized enterprises as a whole. The move towards a “growth for all” goes through the simultaneous exploitation of available tools and tools for all businesses in a cost-effective and sustainable way.

In the next period, economic policy should be geared to differentiated solutions – interventions, depending on the target groups they are called to serve:

1. For small businesses that have growth potential, incentives to invest and promote them in larger and larger markets.
2. For firms in difficulty, a coordinated strategy for restructuring and restoring the market, with simultaneous adoption of early warning and second chance mechanisms.
3. For companies that appear to be weak and in danger of being closed, with serious implications for employment and the survival of members, it is proposed to establish a solid social protection mechanism, including actions to immediately clear and exploit productive equipment and human capital, with parallel coverage of professionals for the risks of stigma, poverty and exclusion from social and economic life.

According to IME GSEVEE’s economic climate survey, the Greek economy is showing signs of stabilization and a gradual return to regularity, but the big stakes remain the sustainability of positive growth rates and the participation of small businesses in the growth dividend.

As the shocks of the crisis start to falter, the structural problems facing domestic small and medium-sized enterprises, which require active and courageous interventions in the field of economic policy, are becoming clearer. In order for the domestic market to emerge from the tunnel of prolonged stagnation structural reforms adapted to the needs of the SMEs and the Greek economy, such as the development of appropriate financial and development tools to increase investment, improve access financing, tax cuts, simplification of business licensing procedures, more efficient state and justice, strengthening clusters etc. In this direction you should:

A letter to the Secretary of State for Finance, Mrs Papadassiou, and the Secretary General of Trade and Consumer Protection, Mr. A. Papaderakis, regarding the obligation to supply electronic payment instruments, was sent by GSEVEE.

The letter states that:

According to Joint Ministerial Decision 45231/2017 (Government Gazette B 1445 / 27.4.2017), the deadline for the supply of electronic payment instruments by a large subset of tradesmen, traders and professionals is expiring on 27 July 2017. However, reports of malfunctions encountered by companies in application and authorization procedures for terminal machines supply have been multiplying lately.

In particular, the reports focus on the following:

1) There are a number of seasonally-based businesses located in remote areas with low turnover and lack of access to, or supply of, suitable technological equipment due to a lack of digital infrastructure at local level. For these businesses, care should be taken to get rid of the obligation to supply electronic payment instruments for the period up to and including the full implementation of the measure. It is suggested that this provision could apply to companies in analogy with the POL for the persons required to collect receipts by electronic means (POL 1005/2017, “Taxpayers living permanently in villages with a population of up to 500 inhabitants and islands with a population below 3,100 inhabitants, according to the latest inventory “).

2) Banks delay or reject the terminal version when they assess that the business is not an attractive customer. Obligatory implementation of the terminal installation measure by July 27 in some occupation groups will result in fines of € 1,500, but it is unknown what happens if the fault for the non-commissioning of the terminal is borne by the banks or some other supplier. In the short term, the possibility of extending the obligation until the end of 2017 should be explored. It is proposed that banks’ written rejection of claims should be obligatory in order to provide evidence of the firm being controlled.

3) Charges remain prohibitive for certain categories of companies, as they exceed 1%, while the maintenance and supply costs of the component should be taken into account. It is proposed, for reasons of competition, to impose corporate billing thresholds (not exceeding 1%) otherwise the company may operate without having an electronic payment instrument (let’s choose to deposit in a bank account).

4) Bonds / seizures lead companies to a reverse option, that is, a money-holding incentive is created outside the official banking sector, which negatively affects the deposit base, financial stability, tax revenues and normalization of economic relations in the market. The consequence of this is that the business, which has no bank account and has very few transactions with POS terminals (contrary to the stated objective of the tax authorities), has a distortive comparative advantage. It is proposed to implement a rigid business account, through which payroll, suppliers, asset accounts will be covered.

GSEVEE estimates that the above actions will lead directly to consolidation of confidence and restoration of the chain of transactions between businesses – banks – tax authorities, and calls on the Ministry to take the appropriate legislative initiatives.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Monday, July 24, 2017, between the Federation of Real Estate Contractors of Greece “Omas”, the Institute of Small Enterprises of the General Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Traders of Greece “IME GSEVEE” & the Center for Vocational Training of the General Confederation of Professional Craftsmen of Greece “KEK GSEVEE “.

 

 

 

The three bodies have co-decided to co-operate in the joint development and recognition of a Qualification Certification Scheme, so that for the first time Real Estate Agents are involved in qualification procedures by enabling them to formally recognize their knowledge, skills and skills.

 

 

In order to achieve this goal, actions will be taken to update the existing professional profile of Real Estate Agents, to develop an integrated and modern educational training program for all the functions and tasks of the professional profile and to implement at national level training programs.

The recent strong seismic phenomena on the southeast side of the Aegean Sea, with a focus on the island of Kos, pose serious problems to the local economy and businesses, at a juncture that coincides with the peak of tourist arrivals on the island. The government, the scientific and productive organizations ought to ensure the smooth adaptation of Kos’s economic and social life and the resolving of problems in their generation so that it will soon return to normal.

It is clear that such phenomena create serious sustainability problems for small businesses and their families, while making it difficult for the public administration to function properly and to serve the citizens. It should be noted that at this stage, the rehabilitation of the port infrastructure is a priority, to serve the citizens and tourists. Unfortunately, the problem is exacerbated by the financial difficulties of local communities and the lack of funding pillars for emergencies.

GSEVEE, with a letter to the Minister of Finance, Mr. E. Tsakalotos, Minister of Labor, E. Achitsoglou, Minister of Infrastructure & Transport Mr Chr. Spitzis, G. Hadjimarkos Regional Governor of the South Aegean and Mr. Kos Kyrtsis Mayor Kos, stresses the need to restore economically and socially the economic and social life, assuming that it is a given responsibility of the state and a sign of solidarity to restore the damage to Affected areas.

To this end, the General Confederation calls on the government to take all necessary measures to address these extraordinary needs. Following the Confederation’s proposals, as well as the framework of regulations that have taken place in similar cases in the past, GSEVEE stresses the need to promote the following interventions in all the affected areas (Kos), some of which should have a permanent institutional and legal Power:

I. RECOVERY OF BUSINESS LOSSES

[1] Creation of a one stop emergency shop to collect and search for documents and documents on its own since many public services are under-exploited while entrepreneurs do not have the time to deal with all bureaucratic issues . This service may be of a permanent nature and operates in extraordinary circumstances throughout the territory.

[2] Immediate recording and reimbursement of privately-owned commercial property on the basis of its value and not the statutory minimum construction cost. Rent subsidy for all professionals who hire or be forced to hire (one year grant)

[3] Compensation for damaged goods and raw materials based on market rates. If it is not possible to find a presumption invoice to be indicative of current prices.

II. INSURANCE – TAX DIFFICULTIES

[1] 2 months extension for the payment of the first installment of the tax for Kos residents (expiring on 31 July 2017).

[2] For those professionals who have been proven to have suffered an exemption (and not just a suspension) from contributing to the EMPHA for a two-month period and transferring insurance time with a full right to health insurance.

[3] Exemption from the payment of the business fee for all the region’s entrepreneurs for the current year. Exemption from payment of fees until the end of the year.

[4] Providing possibility to settle for debts to tax and social security funds. For those who have settled arrears, it is proposed to postpone the settlement and freeze for 6 months.

III. LOANS – FINANCING

[1] Suspension of payment of installments for loan liabilities of enterprises and households, in cases where losses were recorded. After valuation of losses, equalization of debt impairment. At the same time, consideration should be given to providing facilities with low-interest loans for those wishing to reinvest in the business (rebuilding, purchase of products, relocation and so on)

[2] Extension to Mandatory Implementation of the MOU for the acquisition of electronic payment instruments.

[3] Special arrangement – extension for overdue checks (until the end of the year)

[4] Immediate payment of amounts resulting from private insurance of buildings and goods.

[5] Facilitation and partial liberalization of capital controls for businesses operating in the affected areas.

[6] Creation of public-private partnerships as a permanent crisis mechanism, with the development of crowd financing tools to restore damage to public infrastructure (ports, roads)

IV. SOCIAL PROTECTION – SOCIAL COHESION

[1] Extending the social tariff to businesses and households in the affected areas for a period of one year

[2] Immediate rehabilitation of infrastructure is a basic prerequisite for restarting a normal economic and social life.

[3] Liberation of resources from European Social Fund programs to make good the damage.

[4] Special access to social services and benefits for affected families (nurseries, home help, health care).

GSEVEE sent a letter to the Deputy Minister of Finance, Mrs Papadassiou and the Secretary General for Economic Affairs. Commerce & Consumer Protection, Mr. A. Papadradakis on the obligation to supply electronic payment instruments.

In particular, the letter states that:

According to the Joint Ministerial Decision 45231/2017 (Government Gazette B 1445 / 27.4.2017), the deadline for the supply of electronic payment instruments by a large subset of craftsmen, traders and professionals is expired on 27 July 2017. However, reports of malfunctions encountered by companies in application procedures and approval of terminal equipment supply have been multiplying lately.

In particular, the reports focus on the following:

1) There are a number of seasonally-based businesses located in remote areas with low turnover and lack of access to, or supply of, suitable technological equipment due to a lack of digital infrastructure at local level. For these businesses, care should be taken to get rid of the obligation to supply electronic payment instruments for the period up to and including the full implementation of the measure. It is suggested that this provision could apply to companies in analogy with the POL for the persons required to collect receipts by electronic means (POL 1005/2017, “Taxpayers living permanently in villages with a population of up to 500 inhabitants and islands with a population below 3,100 inhabitants, according to the latest census “).

2) Banks delay or reject the terminal version when they assess that the business is not an attractive customer. Obligatory implementation of the terminal installation measure by July 27 in some occupation groups will result in fines of € 1,500, but it is unknown what happens if the fault for the non-commissioning of the terminal is borne by the banks or some other supplier. In the short term, the possibility of extending the obligation until the end of 2017 should be explored. It is proposed that banks’ written rejection of claims should be obligatory in order to provide evidence of the firm being controlled.

3) Charges remain prohibitive for certain categories of companies, as they exceed 1%, while the maintenance and supply costs of the component should be taken into account. It is proposed, for reasons of competition, to impose corporate billing thresholds (not exceeding 1%) otherwise the company may operate without having an electronic payment instrument (let’s choose to deposit in a bank account).

4) Account pledges / seizures lead companies to a reverse option, that is, a money-holding incentive is created outside the official banking sector, which negatively affects the deposit base, financial stability, tax revenues and normalization of economic relations in the market. The consequence of this is that the business, which has no bank account and has very few transactions with POS terminals (contrary to the stated objective of the tax authorities), has a distortive comparative advantage. It is proposed to implement a rigid business account, through which payroll, suppliers, asset accounts will be covered.

GSEVEE estimates that the above actions will lead directly to consolidation of confidence and restoration of the chain of transactions between businesses – banks – tax authorities, and calls on the Ministry to take the appropriate legislative initiatives.