The close relations between Greece and China in Shipping were highlighted during the Maritime Salon event held on Wednesday, 5th of June, at the Chinese Embassy.
In his speech, H.E. Ambassador of People’s Republic of China, Xiao Junzheng called on Greek shipowners to open offices in China: “We invite Greek shipping companies to establish offices in China, especially those specializing in shipping finance, shipping law, maritime insurance and other modern maritime services”.
Ambassador Xiao’s speech in the Maritime Salon
This year, many Chinese enterprises came to Greece for Posidonia 2024. We hope that the shipping communities of China and Greece will participate more and more in various shipping forums and exhibitions held by our two countries, so as to further strengthen dialogue and explore opportunities for win-win cooperation. From November 15 to 18 this year, China will hold the 2nd World Marine Equipment Conference and China Marine Equipment Expo 2024 in Fuzhou City, Fujian province. We would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt invitation to our Greek friends to attend the conference and exhibition.
We welcomes Greek shipping enterprises to establish offices in China, especially those specializing in shipping finance, shipping law, shipping insurance and other modern shipping services.
We look forward to strengthening cooperation in the field of ship repair and ship building. The Chinese side is willing to increase finance support for Greek shipowners to build ships in China, and also encourages Chinese shipyards to give priority to Greek-produced ship accessories on the basis of market principles.
The two sides should focus on areas such as green shipping, intelligent shipping, maritime safety and ship navigation, and support our two countries’ universities, research institutes and enterprises to strengthen technical cooperation, as well as cooperation in the field of ship inspection.
We can also enhance cooperation in the field of ferries, cruises and yachts. We welcome Greek cruise and yacht companies to actively explore the Chinese market.
Ladies and gentleman,
In the first quarter of 2024, China’s GDP growth reached 5.3%, better than what we expected. In front of challenges such as insufficient demand, high operation pressure facing enterprises and an uncertain external environment, China’s economy still has a solid foundation, plenty of advantages, strong resilience and huge potential. Next month, the 3rd plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will be held in Beijing. This session will put reform in a more prominent position. Further comprehensive reform will be led by reform of the economic system, with advancing solid equality and justice and improving people’s wellbeing. These efforts will provide powerful driving force to China’s economy development in the second half of this year and beyond. We hope Greek shipowners could take this opportunity to make your shipping business more prosperous.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Shipping is the most internationalized industry, and the global economy is so deeply dependent on the development of the shipping industry. At a time when we are focusing on addressing climate change and endeavoring to manage the risks of geopolitical conflicts, some country is promoting protectionism by initiating an investigation under Section 301, which will seriously undermine the interests of all shipping countries and destabilize the global shipping supply chain.
China and Greece are both nations living by the sea. Our two nations understand best the inspiration of the sea and cherish the spirit of contract fostered by maritime civilization the most. We have the confidence to deepen global maritime cooperation and the courage to oppose global maritime decoupling.
