Sales promotion

State revenues came in at 6.43 percent above the budget target in January, according to provisional figures released on Friday by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue.

Greek newspaper Proto Thema offers free general exams in its issue at newsstands on Sunday. Specifically, readers will be able to have free general blood tests and a urine examination at the Viotraiki medical center.

The newspaper also offers exams for the entire family at special rates. This Sunday, includes a coupon for a digital mammogram.

Consumers look out for offers at supermarkets to cut costs, resulting in average savings of 11.7 percent on their purchases, which translates into a total benefit of 680 million euros or 160 euros per household every year, according to a survey conducted and published by the Research Institute of Retail Consumer Goods (IELKA).

Turkey?s Directorate General for Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has announced that accepting prizes won through gift draws is acceptable in Islam, though it has repeatedly stated that the lottery classifies as gambling and is against Islam.

Montenegro's government has adopted a new Bill on Cinematography, which contains financial incentives for foreign producers aiming to film in the country.

Under the new law, foreign producers filming in Montenegro will have the right to a refund  of up to 20 per cent of the money they invest. 

By Prokopis Hatzinikolaou

It appears that the Finance Ministry has ordered a halt to outgoing payments, freezing tax rebates. The aim of the move, according to tax office directors, is to plug the budget revenue gap, which posted a shortfall of 1.2 billion euros in the first 10 months of the year.

By Prokopis Hatzinikolaou

Budget revenues in the first five months of the year are showing a rebound according to data released on Thursday by Alternate Finance Minister Christos Staikouras. Notably in May, an election month, revenues posted a significant recovery, exceeding the original targets.