Following the 11th Greek-Chinese Joint Interministerial Committee, Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Kourkoulas visited Shanghai, where, on 30 November, he addressed a welcome speech to an investment forum co-hosted by the Greek Consulate General in Shanghai and China’s 21st Century Media Group. The objective of the event, at which the keynote speaker was Secretary General for International Economic Relations and Development Cooperation Peter Mihalos, was to inform potential investors and attract investment capital from China.
Extending an invitation to new Chinese investments in Greece, following the success of COSCO’s activities in Piraeus, Mr. Kourkoulas briefed his audience on the recent development in the course of macroeconomic figures and the reform programme, underscoring the government’s resolve to move ahead with the necessary actions for consolidating an environment friendly to investments and entrepreneurship. Mr. Kourkoulas also talked about the role Greece wants to play in promoting the China-EU strategic relationship.
After the Deputy Foreign Minister’s opening speech, Mr. Mihalos spoke on the issue of macroeconomic and fiscal developments in Greece, Greek-Chinese economic and trade relations, and the major prospects opening up for bilateral cooperation in the investment sector.
Indicatively, in the framework of the same event, Invest in Greece CEO Stefanos Isaias and his specialized associates presented a selected portfolio of private investment projects in the sectors of beverages, renewable energy sources, and tourism.
The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund’s Director of strategic planning, Panos Protopsaltis, gave a detailed presentation of the Privatization Programme and the opportunities it is presenting for Chinese investors, underscoring that now is the right time to invest in Greece.
The event was attended by dozens of Chinese investors, who followed the proceedings with great interest. The Chinese news media also showed great interest in the event.
The 2nd day of the Forum, 1 December, is dedicated to presentations by the Shanghai International and Fosun Groups, aimed at attracting young Chinese investors, achieving synergies, and creating a special fund for investments in Greece.
November 30, 2012