EXPLORING THE COMPETITIVENESS, OF THE GREEK FISHERIES SECTOR

The debt crisis in Greece has revealed the prolonged problems of the Greek economy and led to drastic fiscal consolidation measures and reforms in labour, products and services. However, structural changes must be escorted by the application of an aid strategy of introspection in order to develop the dynamic sectors of the Greek economy and promote Greek exports to international markets. The fisheries sector is a successful example for Greek agricultural enterprises. Aquaculture products are the major export products in the Greek food industry, representing a significant value of total food exports. The present study aims to identify and analyse the competitive position of the Greek fisheries sector to the EU market through the assessment of specific intra-industry trade indices. Data were obtained for five major EU producer and exporting countries and key intra-industry trade indices were estimated. The results indicate that the image of the Greek fisheries sector seems dynamic and productivity allows the Greek market to export and be competitive. Trade balance remains positive and growing steadily, confirming the export orientation of the sector. It is worth mentioning that the sector competes and outperforms developed economies and specialist fleets such as Italy, Spain, France and Denmark