Greece plans to set up "special economic zones" to attract private investment and help lift its debt-laden economy out of depression, the government said on Tuesday.

The zones would offer investors tax and administrative advantages. Athens is already in talks with the European Commission to get approval for the move, Development Minister Costis Hatzidakis told a news conference.

"We believe these zones will boost the real economy by creating a special regime to attract investment and generate exports," Hatzidakis said.

Reuters