Greek exports grew 18.2 percent in 2006, up from a 13.1-percent growth rate in 2005, Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Thursday.

Addressing an event organized by Hellenic Export Promotion Organization, the minister said "we know we can do better," while he referred to a new model of economic growth adopted by the government, which includes distinct support for export activity.

Economic growth depended mainly on public spending and public borrowing over the last decades, but it now comes from export activity, improved competitiveness and efficiency, he said.

Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos said Greek farm produce exports grew 24 percent in 2005 while they grew up 29 percent in the first eight months of 2006.

Source: Xinhua