A new data center for Microsoft in Greece

Microsoft plans to establish a new data center for cloud services in Greece, which is an outlet for its economy hit by a ten-year-old debt crisis along with the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Reuters, Microsoft chief Brad Smith said on Monday during an online event in Athens that the new data center would benefit companies, individuals and banks.

The size of the investment was not disclosed.

Speaking through an interpreter, Smith said, "Today we are investing in research and technology in Greece ... There will be benefits for Greece in light of our commitment to train thousands of people."

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in separate statements that the data center would bring long-term financial benefits to Greece amounting to one billion euros (1.17 billion dollars).

Greece will become a global center for cloud (services), Mitsotakis said, adding that a more developed center will also contribute to supporting the country's position as an investment destination.

He said that the project will include a digital skills training program for about 100,000 people.