By Michalis Psilos

Investments in the Port of Piraeus have exceeded 10 billion RMB during the past decade under COSCO SHIPPING's management, while the port's international standing, overall competitiveness, and global influence have continued to strengthen, Chinese Ambassador to Greece Fang Qiu told Naftemporiki.

According to Fang, Piraeus has emerged as Europe's fourth-largest container port and the continent's largest passenger ferry port. Last year, it rose from third to second place among Europe's cruise ports, while the Greek workforce exceeded 4,000 employees.

Widely recognized contribution to Greece's development

At the same time, the Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) has generated tens of thousands of indirect jobs linked to port-related activities. The port's contribution to Greece's economic development and to improving citizens' quality of life is widely acknowledged.

"I am also particularly pleased to note that the PPA places great emphasis on corporate social responsibility, actively supporting local communities and serving as a bridge of friendship between the peoples of our two countries. I have been invited on numerous occasions to attend social and community initiatives organized by the PPA."

He added that last year, the upgrading of passenger service facilities at the ferry terminal significantly improved conditions for travelers. Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, noted that "the efforts of the Port of Piraeus reflect a steadfast commitment to passenger safety and the quality of services provided."

The "Kunpeng" Scholarship Program offers students from economically vulnerable families in municipalities neighboring the port the opportunity to pursue and realize their aspirations. In addition, construction of the Piraeus Park recently commenced. Upon completion, it will become a new urban landmark combining sports, recreational, and social functions, representing another significant public-benefit project for local residents.

Looking ahead, the PPA will continue pursuing its objective of becoming a world-class port by advancing its green and digital transformation. Through investments such as the expansion of the cruise terminal, the development of a modern logistics center and other infrastructure projects, and by leveraging the China-Europe Land-Sea Express Route as a catalyst for the development of an international logistics hub with a broader sphere of influence, Piraeus will make an even greater contribution to Greece's economic and social development.

China stands ready to continue working closely with Greece to promote the long-term, stable, and sustainable development of the Port of Piraeus. "Together, we will safeguard this ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean,' enabling it to shine even more brightly and continue writing new chapters of mutual benefit and friendly cooperation between China and Greece."

Asked how China and Greece, as two leading maritime nations, can further expand their maritime cooperation, he replied: China and Greece occupy a prominent position on the global shipping map. Greek shipowners manage approximately one-fifth of the world merchant fleet's carrying capacity, making them a decisive force in shaping the international shipping industry.

China, the world's largest shipbuilding nation

China, as the world's largest shipbuilding nation and trading power, provides strong support for the development of global maritime transport. Nearly half of the vessels owned by Greek shipowners have been built in Chinese shipyards, while more than half of China's imports of energy products, crude oil, and other key commodities are transported by Greek-owned fleets.

The shared maritime identity of the two countries, their centuries-old seafaring traditions, and the strong complementarity of their industrial strengths provide a solid foundation for deepening bilateral maritime cooperation and create broad prospects for joint development.

The China–Greece Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Today, the global maritime industry faces multiple challenges. Fang said China wishes to use the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China–Greece Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as an opportunity to share opportunities, address challenges jointly, and continuously deepen maritime cooperation, thereby contributing to the development of a "Maritime Community with a Shared Future."

"First, we should continue, with unwavering commitment, the joint development and efficient operation of the Port of Piraeus, helping position Greece as a strategic logistics hub in the Eastern Mediterranean and as a key commercial gateway connecting Europe and Asia."

"Second, we should explore new opportunities for expanding and integrating shipbuilding and ship repair value chains and supply chains between our two countries, promote the development of high-value-added services such as maritime finance, insurance, and arbitration, and leverage our complementary strengths to establish new models of mutually beneficial cooperation."

"Third, we should accelerate the green and digital transformation of the maritime sector, strengthen the promotion and adoption of clean energy solutions, deepen joint research and knowledge exchange in marine environmental protection, and work together to establish international green shipping corridors."