Greek economy to shrink 4.6% in 2013, recover in 2014

Greece's economy is forecast to shrink by 4.6 percent in 2013 for a sixth straight year but is expected to start recovering from next year, according to a report released on Wednesday by the central bank of Greece. An annual monetary policy report submitted by bank governor George Provopoulos to the Greek parliament notes positive developments over the past few months enhancing confidence the economy is on the course of recovery. Among these positive points, it was underlined that the danger of a Greek exit from the eurozone has been reduced. In addition, fiscal deficit was reported to be further shrinking with the local banking system having withstood the pressure of the sovereign debt crisis. However, the ongoing stability and reform program of Greece's economy could be derailed if needed reforms are not fully and quickly implemented, the report warned. Provopoulos pointed out that the Greek state's function was still weak in some aspects, a factor that does not facilitate the implementation of reforms. Challenges such as the deep, prolonged recession and high unemployment rates remain. Unemployment will stand at about 28 percent over the next months, before falling in 2015, according to the report. "The economy will recover in 2014, if the current climate of confidence is stabilized and structural reforms accelerated," the report said.