During an international maritime exhibition in Athens on Wednesday, officials and business leaders stated that China and Greece should increase practical cooperation in maritime issues, shipping finance, and green development.
Expanding maritime cooperation
On the fringes of the Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition 2026, which took place from June 1 to June 5 and drew over 2,200 businesses from 83 countries and regions, China organised a number of events that resulted in the calls. Both parties aim to further the shipping sector’s shift to digitalisation, smart operations, and decarbonisation.
China’s naval power
Greek Minister of Insular Policy and Shipping Vassilis Kikilias emphasised Piraeus’s critical role in worldwide marine transportation and its significance as a major international shipping hub.
According to the minister, a viable global framework to lower shipping emissions and the green transition of the maritime sector depend on international cooperation.
Maritime and Insular Policy Deputy Minister Stefanos Gkikas noted that around 43% of Greek-owned ships are constructed in China, praising the long-standing maritime collaboration between Greece and China. He claimed that the significant number of Chinese businesses at Posidonia is indicative of the two nations’ growing collaboration in the production of nautical equipment and ships.
Fang Qiu, the Chinese ambassador to Greece, recommended increased collaboration in the areas of ports, shipping finance, insurance, and arbitration. He also called for cooperative efforts to promote the development of international green shipping corridors and the green and digital transformation of the shipping industry.
Commercial and institutional cooperation with Greece
During the events, institutional and commercial efforts were also introduced. For example, Bank of China (Europe) opened a maritime financing center in Athens, and China State Shipbuilding Corporation established a representative office in Greece. According to participants, these actions usher in a new stage of collaboration between supply chains, industry, and finance.
While cooperation in the maritime realm is not new, now the relationship between China and Greece is transitioning towards a greener future which will require both the countries to invest heavily in research and development activities. This will further expand institutional cooperation between the 2 countries.
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