ATHENS — The three ministers who co-signed the investment agreement between Hellas Gold SA and the Greek government on Friday, spoke of its benefits to both the local communities and the environment, in statements on the day.

More jobs and a friendly environmental footprint by the use of new technologies are key benefits, said Energy & Environment Minister Kostas Skrekas, who spoke of "more than 3,000 jobs and 1.6 billion euros in investments", and "an environmental monitoring system active 24 hrs, 7 days a week."

"Amid unprecedented global conditions (…), Greece is implementing reforms in terms of economic efficiency and social reciprocity", pointed out Finance Minister Christos Staikouras.

Development & Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis called Friday's signing "a historic day for Greece", as it "restores a climate of investments confidence, and proves that investors who decide to pursue their vision in Greece respecting Greek and European laws, the environment and society's needs are welcome." Georgiadis also said that Hellas Gold and the Hellinikon were the two landmark investments signalling to foreign investors that Greece is truly changing its business climate.