The Prime Minister Antonis Samaras will be in China between the 15th and 19th of May, in an effort to boost the Chinese and Greek relations and to attract further Chinese investments.
The trip to China, which was officially announced on Monday, is valued highly by the PM. Mr. Samaras believes that China will be the first economy in the world and will be in the position to help the Greek economy find its way. Mr. Samaras will be accompanied by about 40 Greek businessmen, with plans to entice Chinese investments through privatizations and to increase Greek exports to China.
After French president Hollande, Mr. Samaras will be second European leader to meet with the new Chinese leadership of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang. The Chinese will likely want to extend the Cosco investment at the port of Piraeus and the privatization of the Athens International Airport. There are also thoughts about investments in regional ports, airports and railway, as well as opportunities in other sectors, such as tourism or agricultural production.
Since the successful privatization of OPAP, the Prime Minister is optimistic that future privatization, such as that of natural gas provider DEPA, will take much faster. Senior government officials are also pleased with the positive IMF reports regarding the fiscal adjustment taking place. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also commented that Greece achieved many of its targets, echoing optimistic reports in the German press.
Following the collection of the 2.8 billion euro loan installment, the government is not waiting for the upcoming Eurogroup on the 13th of May which will decide upon the 4.2 million euro (April) loan installment and the IMF’s contribution of 1.8 billion euros.
