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“The Chinese government will encourage Chinese companies to come to Greece and find trade associates for investments,” said the Vice President of the Chinese government Zhang Dedziang. The visit of Mr. Dedziang in Greece, who was accompanied by 30 Chinese ministers and military, ended with 14 agreements on economic and commercial issues signed.

China’s decision to invest in Greece did not remain unnoticed by the world media. Mr. Dedziang said that China will support the country politically and economically, while the Greek government has emphasized on the importance of the dynamic, economic and political relations with China which it develops.

During a meeting in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the diplomats have signed 14 agreements in the fields of telecommunications, maritime, construction of ships, tourism, commercial station in Triassic, energy, trade in olive oil. The Deputy Prime Minister Theodoros Pangalos began the negotiations during the meeting with Mr Dedziang with these very first words: “I propose to make a fair deal. To send tourists from the one country to the other each year, the number of which will correspond to 10% of the population.”

The Chinese have shown interest in cooperating with the Greeks on the transfer of their know-how in matters of navigation, environment, ports, and generally on issues related to the sea. Mr. Pangalos promoted the cooking skills of his Filipino domestic assistant that cooks Chinese dishes with Cretan olive oil. He managed to convince his Chinese colleagues in the qualities of the Greek olive oil, which led to the signing of four agreements on exports of olive oil to China.

The Minister of Transport of China Mr. Li Shenglin and the Minister of Economy of Greece Luke Katseli signed a memorandum of cooperation on shipping. Seven agreements which provide for the establishment of common shipping companies, shipping and payment for the right of Chinese subsidiaries of Cosco to rent Greek vessels or use some of them for transportation of freights were signed.

Letter of intent to create a joint company (joint venture) was signed between Cosco Βulk Carriers and Cardiff Μarine of the Greek shipping tycoon D. Ikonomos. Two other shipping magnates – Mr. George Prokopiu and Mr. Ev. Pateras signed agreements for the construction of ships. The company of Mr. T. Benyamis also signed a letter of intent to build two plus two cargo ships in the Cosco shipyard and for the freight of five of its cargo ships from Cosco Βulk Carriers as well as for the construction of a panamax type ship.  

”We are confident that with the strong leaders we have in Greece we will go through the temporary difficulties you face. The Chinese government will encourage major Chinese companies to come to Greece and find trade associates for investments” said the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister.