Jia Qinglin: Greece Can Rely On China
China would assist Greece in debt crisis, Jia Qinglin, president of the Chinese Senate, said during his visit to Athens as head of a large delegation. The Chinese official underlined that China has been a long-term investor in European sovereign bond market, and stated that the country will continue to facilitate investment activities in European countries.
He also asked the European Union to take steps creating a more favourable environment to attract Chinese investment in the region.
Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan and Greek Development Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis signed a Memorandum of Economic Cooperation to deepen cooperation between two countries in infrastructure and industry.
Moreover, four trade agreements of €550 million were signed. The agreements concern marble company Aghia Marina Marble and Xibang Builiding Stone Development Ltd amounting to €500 million, Sky Solar and Mesogeos SA for a photovoltaic park of 100 MW power valued at €33 million, Forthnet and Huawei Technologies amounting at €4 million, and Zhejiang International Trade Group Wenzhou Ltd and Tselepos and Winery SA of $850k.
In his speech, Jia Qinglin urged the Greek government to cooperate with China to strengthen economic relations, focusing on four areas: shipping, trade, tourism, energy.
The president of the Chinese Senate called for closer cooperation in shipping, as Greek-owned ships transport 60% of imported oil in China. “We will encourage Chinese cargo ships to sail in Greek ports and ask Chinese enterprises to participate in building projects in Greek ports, while increasing funding to Greek shipowners”, he added.
The reference to Greek ports is interpreted to be related to the issue of Piraeus Port privatization, as Cosco has expressed interest in participating in the tender of 23.1% of the port.
Executives of 40 Chinese companies participating in the delegation hold meetings with representatives of Greek companies. The list of Chinese companies includes telecommunications company ZTE Corporation, automakers Shanghai General Motors Corporation and Dongfeng Motor Co, CSR Nanjing Puzhen Co. Ltd (railway equipment), Dongguan STD M & E Technology Co. Ltd (manufacture of machinery and electronic products), Yunnan Rong Tao Trading Co. Ltd (trading firm of iron and aluminum), Chongqing Fufeng Cement, real estate Yangzhou Crown Real Estate Development Co. Ltd and Quian Tang Chao City Developing Co. Ltd, etc.
(capital.gr)