Prime Minister Antonis Samaras returns to work on Wednesday having stressed the need for the government to maintain social cohesion in 2013, when the three-party coalition will have to implement some 9 billion euros in austerity measures and a series of structural reforms as the economy goes through it sixth straight year of recession.

“There is no growth without social cohesion and without justice,” said Samaras in his televised New Year’s address. The prime minister stressed that 2013 would be another tough year for Greeks but that the signs of recovery would become visible.

“During the course of the year, we will begin to see the prospect for a better tomorrow,” Samaras said, adding that he would continue his personal involvement in the attempt to attract investment to Greece. “Attracting productive investments is the big challenge from now on,” he said. “I will look for them everywhere: from foreign investors to Greek businessmen.”

Samaras is due to chair a meeting of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) on Wednesday afternoon and is lined up to speak at a business forum in Germany next week. He is also expected to travel to Qatar at some point this month.

French President Francois Hollande is due in Athens for talks on February 19.