Greek port privatisation fast-tracked

Having agreed new terms with its international lenders, Greece has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) stipulating that binding bid dates for the privatisation of the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki must be announced by October, according to Reuters.

Signing the MOU is a prerequisite for Greece to gain access to a new and third bailout programme of around €85bn (US$85bn).

It means that the government has agreed to ‘fast-track’ the sale of state-owned assets, which includes two of its largest ports, as well as airports and its power grid operator; proceeds from the sales are expected to reach €6.4bn (US$6.4bn) by 2017.