The Association of Industrialists of Northern Greece (SBEE) yesterday protested strongly to the National Radio & Television Council against the method for granting certificates of transparency to Athens Stock Exchange-listed companies shortlisted in public project tenders. SBEE called for an immediate practical legal definition of the concept of “basic shareholder” in media companies who are not entitled to participate in such tenders. The concept was introduced in last year’s constitutional revision. The definition is necessary “to safeguard the competitive operation of markets and the rehabilitation of the image of entrepreneurs which is under continuous attack,” said SBEE. The association said some of its members had been the subject of adverse press reports because institutional investors with shares in association companies also appeared as shareholders in media companies.

Visiting German Finance Minister Hans Eichel said yesterday his government took a sympathetic view of the candidacy of Bank of Greece Governor Lucas Papademos for the vice-presidency of the European Central Bank. He and Greek counterpart Nikos Christodoulakis agreed that Greece offered good opportunities for investment and strategic partnerships in energy, telecommunications and tourism. Eichel described the Greek economy’s recent progress as a “real miracle,” while Christodoulakis noted strong interest for investment in the Balkans during a recent visit to Germany.

Tourism industry professional associations, representing travel agents, marina and yacht agents, coach operators and conference organizers, yesterday threatened strong mobilization in the second half of April if the government does not meet their long-standing demands. At a press briefing, industry representatives said 50 travel agencies had gone out of business since September 11 last year and that US and German bookings were down 70 and 25 percent respectively from last year.

General Bank shareholders yesterday approved the 2001 financial statements and the distribution of dividends of 2.7 million euros (0.10 euro per share). President and Managing Director Antonis Hasiotis said the 125-percent increase in pretax profit to 12.4 million euros was satisfactory but further efforts were needed to attain performance indicators rivaling the Greek and European averages. Moreover, he noted that Moody’s had recently kept the bank’s investment rating unchanged.

Thessaloniki traders and small manufacturers yesterday decided to join in the closure of shops called by their respective national unions for Wednesday, March 13, in protest against recently announced measures that infer potential additional taxation for past financial years.