Kikilias meets with Chinese Ambassador Fang Qiu

Maritime and Insular Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias said it was an immediate priority to improve the experience of passengers on a routine basis at the port of Piraeus, in a meeting with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Fang Qiu.
During the meeting on Monday, the minister stressed that before there can be discussions on the multiple, individual aspects of the significant cooperation between the two countries, it was crucial for the Chinese side to proceed rapidly with necessary investments.
The minister noted such improvements can be implemented quickly, at a low cost and have multiple benefits for travellers and the local community in the wider Piraeus area. Among them he listed water supply infrastructure, access to WiFi, construction of more passenger terminals, shelters and safety infrastructure, provision of better route information services, etc.
On his part, Fang Qiu pointed out that all of the above, including the social responsibility aspect, must be immediately taken into account by the Chinese side and noted that in the context of COSCO's investment in the port of Piraeus, China's desire for continuous development and improvement of infrastructure is firm.
The discussion recognised the long-standing relationship and solidarity between the two peoples, which has also been confirmed in recent crises (COVID pandemic, evacuation of tens of thousands of Chinese citizens from Libya on Greek ships).
Furthermore, the important role played by the two countries in global shipping and the common will to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of competence of the Ministry of Maritime and Insular Policy were underlined.
Regarding the contribution of Greek-owned shipping to the shipbuilding sector, Kikilias stressed the need for the participation of Greek companies producing marine equipment, while Fang Qiu suggested considering the possibility of Greek-Chinese joint ventures for shipbuilding on Greek soil.
Finally, the two officials exchanged views on broader international developments in the shipping sector and agreed to remain in contact, as the landscape is constantly changing. They also agreed that EU regulations on the green transition of the shipping industry should be placed on a realistic basis, in order not to jeopardise the competitiveness of this crucial sector for international trade.