It is time to remember and follow the growth rates of the 1960s, when Greece grew by 6% a year, one of the highest rates in the world.

We should also remember that from 1981, when we joined the European Union, until 2010, the year of the bankruptcy, we gained more than 300 billion euros from the give-and-take balance. Yet we did not manage it properly, and instead of converging, we diverged from the European average.

The Country's new production model, according to the Pissarides Report, is based on using EU funds, increasing investment, attracting capital, innovation, extroversion, and the digital transformation of the Country. In one phrase: all of this aims to create a competitive economy.

All this requires shrinking the giant, bureaucratic, wasteful, corrupt, party-state that keeps the Country trapped in underdevelopment. It requires a small, flexible, effective, strategic state, yes, strategic, despite the shouted objections of those who do not understand, to support and promote investment.

It must be noted and emphasized that any development must protect the environment. Green energy, and by extension green development, is official European Union policy. Greece can and should be at the forefront of green development.

At the same time, we live in the fourth industrial and technological revolution. Already in 2020, three licenses were issued for the development of 5G technology. In fact, 25% of the revenue from those licenses will fund start-ups. A large share of European funds is also earmarked for technology-linked investment. Greece is moving rapidly into digital transformation.

The past records achievements as well as mistakes. It also shows that Greece has every condition needed to take off, as long as bold reforms are made now. The conditions exist.

Greece has the necessary human capital. Historically, Greeks have the instinct for enterprise, but they lack the instinct for cooperation. It is time to understand that joining forces and working together are essential.

The pandemic revealed many qualities of Greeks, such as quick adaptation, flexibility, and effectiveness. Every crisis is an opportunity. An opportunity for change, for adaptation, for a new course.

The key word for the economy, public and private, is effectiveness and efficiency, meaning the ability of a company or organization to deliver the best result. It means a competitive economy.

The country needs to highlight its comparative advantages. Greece has a geostrategic position. It lies at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is part of the European Union, which gives it prestige and strength. It has history and a brilliant culture.

It also has a mild Mediterranean climate. A deep blue sky that enchants and carries you away. It frees the imagination and makes you a different person. Many would want to live and work in such a blessed place. And today this is possible, thanks to technology. One can live in Kalamata and work for a company based in England, America, or China. Greece is the ideal place to live. It is also a way of life through the Mediterranean diet, which is Greek. That is why we call it the Greek diet.

So, what does Greece need in order to take off? Greeks need to leave behind outdated ideas and follow the global rule that says: countries with a liberal, democratic, open economy give their citizens a high level of democracy, freedom, and prosperity.

The state also needs to abandon old party habits and outdated practices and operate with management rules.

An economy of constant change and adaptation requires a society of constant change and adaptation. But it also requires a state based on meritocracy, transparency, and effectiveness. That is why we call on the government to move forward with bold reforms in every sector. Reforms now, so the Country can take off.

Pavlos Marantos

marantosp@gmail.com