Chinese Business Delegation In Athens

Chinese executives arrived on Sunday in Athens to strengthen the economic cooperation between Greece and China. Besides the Memorandum of Understanding, the large business delegation led by president of Chinese parliament Jia Qinglin and Commerce Secretary Zhong Shan would be notified about the investment opportunities that emerge through the privatization program.
Qinglin would also visit Cosco facilities in Piraeus port, while there would be b2b contacts between Greek executives and major Chinese companies involved in the delegation.
China seeks collaborations in areas of interest related to energy, automotive industry, banking sector, electrical and pharmaceutical equipment, tourism, real estate, telecommunications, construction materials, food, etc.
Among the participating companies are telecoms giant ZTE, Bank of Beijing, carmakers Shanghai General Motors and Dongfeng.
It is estimated that the Chinese delegation would sign at least six trade agreements of total value €550 million. These agreements would concern mainly exports to China, as Greek companies such as Terra Creta, PanProd and Botzakis have signed significant agreements on oil exports.
China’s interest in infrastructure investments seems to remain. The issue of freight station in Thriassio remains open, while Cosco has formally expressed its interest to participate in the sale of 23.1% of Piraeus port under the privatization program.
Moreover, Chinese HNA is in discussions with German Hochtief on the acquisition of its stake in Athens international airport.
(source: capital)