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Shipping Industry - A Bond of Friendship and Prosperity Between China and Greece
Li Feng, Commercial Counsellor of Chinese Embassy in Greece
Speech at PWC Shipping Industry Briefing
May 31, 2018
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon,
I am really honored to speak here on shipping cooperation with a large part of the Greek shipping industry present.
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to express recognition to the many of you who have taken part in our bilateral maritime relationship over the years. This is because the shipping industry has to a large extent defined the relationship between Greece and China in the past several decades, and tied our countries close together.
Shipping cooperation between the two countries started from the establishment of New China. Back then, some visionary and courageous Greek shipowners broke the blockade against China by transporting strategic materials to China. Currently, the total tonnage of the Greek merchant fleet tops the world and carries 60% of imported crude oil and 50% of traded goods of China. At the most difficult moment of the international financial crisis in 2010, China set up the “China-Greece Shipping Cooperation Fund”, which gave strong impetus to shipping cooperation between the two countries. The number of orders that China has got from the Greek side has reached more than 200 in total, making China the largest partner for Greece in shipbuilding.
It is worth mentioning that Piraeus Port container throughput has soared to 4.12 million TEUs, with the Port having shot up in its global ranking from 93rd to 36th, earning the title of the fastest growing container terminal in the world. In accordance with the relevant agreements, COSCO Shipping is also proceeding with additional major investment plans for container terminals, cruise ship terminals, and ship repair facilities. The newly-built 20,000 TEU container berth at Pier 3 has been put into use, while the new "PIRAEUS III" floating dock with a lifting capacity of 80,000 tons, the largest of its kind in Greece, has also been installed; both will breathe new life into Piraeus’ ship building & repair industry.
It is believed that Piraeus Port will soon become the largest container terminal in the Mediterranean and in the long run it has potential to evolve into Europe’s largest port.
If we look further into the future, we will discover more splendid prospects of China-Greece maritime cooperation. We see Greece as an important ocean partner for the future. Because our strengths are complimentary. Greek owners operate the world’s largest fleet, consisting of modern and technologically, well-developed vessels. And China has strength in ship building and repairing, maritime hi-tech equipment and financing. Next month, at the Posidonia Exhibition, more than 170 Chinese companies will bring their best technology and service to Athens. I am confident this will unleash more potentials in bilateral cooperation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Last but not least, I want to highlight that the shipping industry is global in nature. Its well-being is dependent on open markets and free trade.
I am glad to share with you that in April this year, Chinese president Xi Jinping announced at Boao Asia Forum that China will adopt major measures to pursue further opening, including significantly broadening market access, creating a more attractive investment environment, strengthening protection of intellectual property rights, and taking the initiative to expand imports.
To begin with, the first International Import Expo will be held in Shanghai in November. China has set the goal of importing $24tn of goods in the next 15 years. This will be China's invitation to the world to share the opportunities offered by its fast development and huge market. I am confident, in this process, Greek shipping industry will continue to play an important role.
Thank you all!
