ATHENS – Focusing more on the economy even as the COVID-19 pandemic resurges, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pointed to a rise in exports as a sign that a financial rebound is under way at the same time.

He said it “is the best proof that export rates serve as the mirror of a competitive economy,” especially during the Coronavirus’ comeback, speaking at the the launch of the National Strategic Extroversion Plan.

He said that will bring in critical revenues to help offset the effect of lockdowns aimed at slowing the pandemic, which hasn’t worked, as cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue, driven by the deadly Delta Variant.

He said the monies, development and growth would be shared by society after the major rival SYRIZA declared him an elitist interested only in helping Capitalism and big business.

Mitsotakis said the export growth would reduce social inequalities and to “creating more opportunities for those who need it most,” said Kathimerini, but he didn’t give details of how it would trickle down to the neediest.

“Greece has entered a trajectory of dynamic development in a stable fiscal climate,” he said, adding that the country is “borrowing at the lowest interest rates in its history, having addressed serious issues relating to the competitiveness of its economy in a series of structural reforms.”

He didn't mention that there is still a trade imbalance of some $38.7 billion, Commodity.com reported, with annual imports of $63.5 billion but exports of only $38.7 billion in comparison.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Economic Diplomacy Kostas Fragogiannis said exports jumped 24.7 percent in the first seven months of 2021, to some 22.11 billion euros ($29.95 billion) because of government policies.