Exports and improved private consumption are likely to strengthen short-term growth in Greece, projected at 2.0 percent in 2019 and 2.4 percent in 2020, the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said recently.

"Greek exports made a strong performance early in the fourth quarter of the year, rising by 24 pct in October. A rising trend of Greek exports throughout the year creates optimism over achieving a new export record, although on the other hand, an increase in imports is a cause of concern and brings back to focus the need to support domestic product,” the Panhellenic Exporters Association said in an announcement released on Friday.

Greek trade deficit shrank by 0.9 pct in June this year as exports grew 11.8 pct, double the growth rate of imports. However, the country's trade deficit grew 20.7 pct in the first half of 2017 compared with the same period last year, Hellenic Statistical Authority said on Monday.