While this is significant, it is more significant to note that in 2005 Greece increased its market share in its export markets for the first time after more than a decade of retrenchment, associated with the decline of textile production, and we are on track to repeat this good export performance this year, as exports of goods increased by 13½ percent in the first half of this year, excluding idiosyncratic items such as refined petroleum and ships.
A number of indicators suggest that this development is not a statistical artefact but may indicate a more permanent improvement in economic performance. The good export performance is not restricted to a few countries of destination or sectors, but is quite widespread.