An inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufi, approved the inclusion of 18 projects, budgeted at 1.752 billion euros, for a programme promoting joint ventures between public and private sector enterprises.

Mr. Alogoskoufis said all projects included in the programme were significant, covering civil administration, education, culture, sports, transportation and national defence.

"With this program we will build, more rapidly, the necessary infrastructure, accelerating growth in Greek regions, and the economy in general, amid an international credit crisis," the minister said.