Putin: Greece is problematic for investments

Russian President Vladimir Putin described Greece as problematic for investments while speaking at a meeting on the development of the Rostov Region, whence expat businessman Ivan Savvidis originates and develops large part of his business activities.

As he said, he was amazed to discover that only a fairly serious investment was recently made in Greece, thus putting objections to Russian businessmen who selected to invest in Greece rather than their country.

"We need to investigate, why our own investors and foreigners as well are investing large sums abroad, although they are able to do so here. Some colleagues, who are present here, do this, but I do not know if those who invest large sums of money abroad are also here. Among other things I was surprised to discover that only a fairly serious investment was recently made in Greece."

"Greece is a good country, spiritually close to us, but we know its financial and general monetary problems. At the same time, if an investor chooses such a country, obviously problematic, for investments and prefers it, say, from the Rostov Region, the question arises: Why and what is not enough here? Could the root of the problem be what entrepreneurs often call the changing the rules of the game?" Putin concluded by asking attendees to discuss at length the shortcomings and prospects of this region of the Russian South.