Shanghai: Interview of Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Staikouras, to Xinhua, on the sidelines of the 6th CIIE (05-10.11) and the Greek Participation

China and Greece can further promote bilateral cooperation in transport and infrastructure, and explore ways to enhance bilateral trade, Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras has said.

"Our bilateral relations are at a very good level, and more specifically economic relations between Greece and China have been evolving steadily," Staikouras told Xinhua during the China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Greece's Piraeus Port, the chief seaport of Athens and a key project in China-Greece cooperation, has participated in the expo for six consecutive years since 2018.

"The sixth consecutive participation of Piraeus Port in the CIIE facilitates interaction with global maritime stakeholders and enhances the creation of business opportunities," Staikouras said, describing the role of the expo as "significant and well-recognized globally."

"It is a chance for the stakeholders of the global economy to exchange views, to promote global trade, to tackle common challenges and to create opportunities," he said. "This is why, for six consecutive years, Greece has an enhanced participation in the CIIE."

Through cooperation with China COSCO Shipping Corporation, Piraeus Port has emerged as the largest port in the Mediterranean and the fourth largest port in Europe since 2019.

"COSCO has contributed to the overall upgrading of our port, which has evolved into an important hub between East and West in the Mediterranean basin," said the minister.

"Greek expectations remain high in relation to the creation of new jobs and the increase of economic activity, as a result of the investment of COSCO in Piraeus," he added.

Currently, the investment presence of Greek companies in China is remarkable, especially in the sectors of plastics, industry, cosmetics, food and beverages, mining, IT, shipping, and tourism, according to the Greek official.

In this regard, he mentioned the signing of a new bilateral aviation agreement between Greece and China earlier this month, which "is a key step in strengthening the economic and cultural relations between the two countries, and serves the modern conditions of air transport at a time when commercial and tourism needs are constantly increasing."

Late last month, Chinese carrier Juneyao Airlines announced its plan to launch a new route between Shanghai and Athens in April 2024, which is to offer three flights per week.

"In the future, we can further promote our bilateral relationship in transport and infrastructure," Staikouras said.