Greece its 'gateway' to Europe

Economic measures taken to improve the state of the Greek economy was a key initiative at a recent meeting between Cosco and the Hellenic government.

"We are aware of the situation of the Hellenic economy and we’ll do our best to help you, by taking advantage of our strong shipping industry," said Captain Wei Jiafu, head of Cosco, after his meeting with Greece's Minister of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping, Louka Katseli this week.

"We’ll use our influence to attract more shipping companies to support your country. We’ll attract international funds to your port, to your country," he added.

Captain Wei stated that Cosco's goal is to make Greece the gateway of the group in Europe. He said that the country is attractive for foreign investors, because of its strategic location.

Wei highlighted that Cosco is actively interested in the logistics sector, as well as the fast emerging fields of ship repairing and tourism development.

In joint discussions with George Anomeritis, head of the Piraeus Port Authority (OLP), both parties agreed on participating in funding, construction and operation of a new intermodal hub in the area of Thriassion Pedion, located 20 kilometres west of Athens.

They also agreed to move forward with OLP's plans to establish a ship repairs and ship maintenance facility.

The Chinese conglomerate has secured control of Piers I and II of the port of Piraeus, after surpassing its rivals in a relative tendering concession process.

The shipping group intends to make Piraeus the biggest port of the Eastern Mediterranean. For 2010, the goal is to handle 800,000 TEUs.

Wei also announced that from April the company began transferring merchandises and goods through Piraeus, while the same applied for cargoes transported by the CKYH Alliance, comprised of Cosco, K Line, Yang Ming and Hanjin Shipping.