Greek government to give 1.3 bln euros support for SMEs

Special Report:Global Financial Crisis

ATHENS, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The Greek government would launch financial support programs worth 1.3 billion euros in the following six months to support the country's small- and medium-sized enterprises amid economic crisis, local media reported Wednesday.

The programs, including the energy efficiency upgrading of buildings and a pipeline to transfer natural gas to the industrial town of Aliveri, would be part of a Competitiveness II program, Greek Development Minister Costis Hatzidakis told reporters.

Other programs include those designed to boost the textile industry, leather shoes and tourist investments.

According to Bank of Greece Governor George Provopoulos, Greek economic growth will slow down to 0.5 percent this year.