Greek multinationals in the Balkan area: the areas of telecommunications and informatics in Bulgaria.

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to begin a theoretical contest regarding whether the investment Greek companies in the CEECs resemble conventional types of multinational Companies. In this dissertation it was assumed that the recent opening of the markets of the CEECs was a significant opportunity for the Greek economy. The opening of the Balkan markets, where there is demand for products of not so high quality is allowing the Greek economy more time to modernise its productive base. There are also significant negative effects from the flows of Greek investment in the Balkans. In the short term there is a reduction of employment in certain industrial sectors and areas of the country. In the long term, the most important threat is the undermining of the effort to restructure Greek industry towards the production of high quality, internationally competitive products. This dissertation also offers a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the spatial distribution and significance of Greek MNEs activities for the development of regions in Bulgaria. It states that MNEs activities are not only one of the most important vehicles of local development, but also a factor in extending regional disparities in production, income and living conditions. Moreover, as soon as the economies of these countrTies will be restored there might be a move, of goods and capital, in the opposite direction.