Dep.FM completes high-profile visit to China

In his address, Kourkoulas reiterated Athens' message to international investors, stressing that "now is the right time to invest in Greece," with discussions, on both the official and business level, pointing to additional Chinese investments in the east Mediterranean country. The talks come in light of Chinese multinational Cosco's successful investment at the port of Piraeus, something that Cosco's leadership confirmed.

Kourkoulas expressed satisfaction with the organisation of his visits and contacts, as well as the noteworthy promotion of the business forum in the Chinese media.amna

Reviewing the results of his contacts, the Greek official stressed that the maritime shipping sector remains the main pylon of Greece-China bilateral cooperation, given that 120 Greek-owned vessels are currently being constructed in Chinese shipyards, while a whopping 30 percent of China's foreign trade is carried by Greek-owned vessels.

Another growing and important sector is exports of Greek agricultural products to China, with the goal being to expand the market beyond Shanghai and Beijing.

Moreover, a report that the China Development Bank is considering a mission to Athens was warmly received by the Chinese and the Greek sides, given that beyond funding large-scale Chinese investors, such a prospect would be positive for the Greek economy.

Finally, Cosco's leadership also welcomed Kourkoulas, with the multinational's president, Capt. Wei Jiafu, reminding that Cosco's managers that the company aims to turn Piraeus into a "regional centre of distribution".