The turnover of privatized platform #2 of the Greek port of Piraeus has increased with 43% for the first four months of this year. This became clear after the visit of Wei Jaifu President of the Chinese investment mastodons China Ocean Shipping Company, also owner of the Chinese company Cosco, which privatized two of the three cargo platforms of Piraeus port. Chinese businessman came to Greece on an official visit accompanied by a team of 20 members of the Governing Board and met with Minister of Economy, Development and the merchant fleet and later in the day with President of the Republic of Greece Karolos Papoulyas. Cosco President announced that the company is part of the largest marine-transport alliance CKYH (C: Cosco - K: Kawasaki from China and Japan, Y: Yang Ming from Taiwan, H: Haνzing North Korea), which will give more advantage to Piraeus compared to other Mediterranean ports.
Wei Jaifu promised that next year the turnover will increase more and Piraeus will become the most competitive port in the Mediterranean. The goal by the end of 2010 is for Piraeus to serve over 800,000 unloads. He said that it is Cosco's interest to make additional investments and to expand its business to other ports in the country due to the strategic position of Greece on the Old Continent. The Chinese businessman assured Minister Katseli and the present journalists that the company will use its influence to attract other investors in the country and thus contribute to strengthening the Greek economy. "We can assure you in the willingness of China and Cosco to invest in all sectors of the commercial fleet of Greece," said Wei Jaifu.
"Cosco clients from Asia and Europe are now passing through the port of Piraeus, which is gradually becoming an important stop on the way of international shipping," said Minister Louka Katseli. The Minister expressed her satisfaction with the development of the port and explained that currently the possibility of Piraeus to become an international logistics center that offers a whole new set of services in the field of shipping and transport, is being discussed.