The visit of the Chinese Prime Minister a few days after the Azerbaijani President’s visit is not just a clear indication our of country’s geopolitical role, but also a confirmation of the potential expectations that the Greek economy is generating. Important players of the global economic scene do not treat us like a country trapped up in the crisis, but rather as an economy with significant development prospects.
China’s financial presence in our country is already remarkable with the current 4 billion euros worth of investment potentially increasing to 6 billion euros, should plans go ahead accordingly. The Chinese obviously view Greece as an entry point to the European market, since our European Union membership grants us a privileged status regarding trade and investment potential. The Chinese economy has a great growth momentum and huge exchange reserves and China is desperate for investment opportunities. Greece can offer such opportunities, with the obvious mutual benefit.
Foreign investments in our country, irrespective of where they come from, are not just welcome, they are absolutely necessary so that our economy can enters a phase of positive growth and job creation. The example of Cosco’s involvement in Piraeus is indicative of the potential.
However there is no shortage of follies from our partners, who for various economic of geopolitical intentions will create problems and often block important, to us, foreign investments. We have seen this in the case of the DESFA sale to the Azerbaijanis, which has been stalled for the past six months due to the European Commission. The extension of the Cosco agreement seems to be generating similar problems.
It is absurd for a country that has suffered dearly from the crisis and have its economy dramatically shrink, resulting in hundreds of thousands of unemployed, to see its partners – who are trying to help Greece exit the crisis –subvert the investments that can turn this climate around.
TO VIMA
