ATHENS — The developmental potential of the culture sector and the possibilities for cooperation between the public and the private sector dominated the discussion held on Friday at the 2nd Thessaloniki Helexpo Forum, with Culture and Sports Minister Lina Mendoni pointing out that a key issue is that culture has an extremely strong social and economic potential, especially in a country like Greece.

"Clearly we must see culture in its developmental dimension, as an economy, without ignoring the social parameters," Mendoni said, stressing that culture is the fourth pillar of sustainable development.

"Cultural heritage does not exist in vitro. It is connected to a community, to a place. It attracts visitors, it causes indirect and direct economic and professional activity," the minister noted, pointing out that cultural activities make up a much higher percentage in GDP than other sectors and investments, whether public or private or partnerships, create many jobs throughout the country. She also noted that approximately 4.5 thousand employees are employed in the projects executed by the Ministry of Culture as part of the current NSRF.