(ANSAmed) - ATHENS, MARCH 9 - A total of 2,374 businesses
have terminated their operation, out of a total of 9,274
enterprises operating in the Attica region, a report by the
National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce (ESEE) stated on
Thursday. ESEE, in its report, said the situation in central
Athens remained critical, with conditions worsening since the
last six-month period, as the percentage of closed enterprises
rose to 29.6%, from 24.4% in August 2011 and 23.4% in March
2011. In Piraeus, this percentage rose to 27.3%, rising by 10
percentage points since March 2011.
In Kifisia, the percentage of closed enterprises was around
23.7%, almost unchanged at the previous six-month rate, while in
Glyfada, this rate remained at lower levels (18.8%). Vasilis
Korkidis, the president of ESEE, said the report showed a "sad
reality", but at the same time this was "helping everyone
document a new development plan for Greek commerce".
"This worsening of the survival index in the commercial
sector, with a new wave of closings in the market, shows that
the market's resistance is waning. Psychology and the image of
the market is disappointing, but we have no right to let our
work and sacrifices go wasted. We must continue the battle of
daily survival and keep our shops open". (ANSAmed).
