What lies ahead for China-Greece relations

Without a doubt, the visit of Greek PM Antonis Samaras to China has been heralded as a success, resulting in numerous commitments and major agreements between the two countries.

On May 20th, just one day after his return from Asia, Mr Samaras attended an event organized by the Union of Greek Ship-owners for the European Maritime Day 2013. His keynote speech was dedicated to his recent trip to China and emerging prospects of the two nations’ cooperation.

Greece as China’s gate to Europe

Greece can play a dual role as China’s gate to Europe, and Europe’s gate to China.

- Greek PM Antonis Samaras

Once again, the Greek leader noted that his country, with its regained stability, can play a dual part, as “China’s gate to Europe, and Europe’s gate to China”. This is largely due to Greece’s geostrategic position at the Southeastern tip of Europe, making it an ideal trade hub. But also, new projects can emerge since the Mediterranean country hasn’t taken fully advantage of its resources and potential until now.

The cooperation between Greece and China can mean a lot of things: “Investments in Greece’s infrastructure that include ports, airports and railways. And we’re not starting from scratch. We already have the success story of Cosco, which is now discussing the expansion of both its activities and investment here in Greece”, elaborated the Greek PM.

Sellout or fruitful deals?

In his meeting with the Greek PM, Chinese President Xi Jinping underlined tremendous scope of collaboration between the two countries, thanks to the splendid cultural heritage of the two ancient civilizations. (Source: gbtimes)

However, it is important to note that the outcome of the Greek visit to China was also met with skepticism by domestic opposition parties, on whether vital resources of the country are being sold out.

“We didn’t travel abroad to bring back huge sums of money. […] We travelled abroad to create opportunities, opportunities which can be put to good use via the Greek spirit”, was Mr Samaras counterargument to his critics.

Future challenges

Now, the Greek government focuses on realising what has been signed on paper.

For this reason, the Greek State has already set up a special committee, comprised of ministers and high ranking officials. It will be dedicated entirely to the coordination and supervision of bilateral projects, streamlining workflow and speeding processes up.

Prospects garnered during his visit to China, now what lies ahead for Antonis Samaras and his country to pursue the good course. (Source: gbtimes)

Antonis Samaras seems to be deeply aware of how important it is to take advantage of the new opportunities. As he said, “The biggest challenge from now on is to follow up” what has been agreed.

In the first half of 2014, Greece will take on the presidency of the Council of the European Union. As Greece is set to grasp the burgeoning opportunities following the fruitful visit of Samaras and his delegation to China, this may as well pave the way for the once debt-ridden country to prove to its European counterparts then it is truly ready to step up its game on the international stage.

(ΠΗΓΗ: gbtimes.com

Maria Polychronopoulou)