Greece eyes enhanced role in 'Silk Road'

Greek ambassador Vassilios Costis delivers a speech during a seminar organized by All-China Journalists Association in Beijing, April 9, 2014. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Beijing – Greece has unique geological advantages boosting its claim to be part of China's vision of creating a "Maritime Silk Road."

Emmanuel Stantzos, the Greek minister for economic and commercial affairs, delivers a speech during a seminar organized by All-China Journalists Association in Beijing, April 9, 2014. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the concept of a "Silk Road economic belt" on the basis of the ancient land-based trade route to increase ties between China and Central Asia during his visit to Kazakhstan in September last year.

He later called for the building of a new "Maritime Silk Road" to enhance a nautical partnership with other countries during a visit in Indonesia.

Greek ambassador Vassilios Costis said China's proposal is multifaceted. "It not only includes the establishment of more economic and trade cooperation but also creates a seamless energy conduit and transportation infrastructure for all participating countries."

He said the initiative foresees complete openness in geographic terms and may include more European countries.

The ambassador said Greece is an ideal location from which to access the market of southern Europe since many of the country's air and sea ports are international and road and railway networks have been expanded and upgraded.

Emmanuel Stantzos, the Greek minister for economic and commercial affairs, said his country's location at the crossroads of three continents makes it an ideal logistics hub for Chinese companies.

The port of Piraeus is just 210 nautical miles from the main Mediterranean route and is the only major port in the region.

"Greece can be a gateway to Mediterranean and European markets for Chinese products," Stantzos said.

He added the potential between the two countries is huge as China is the world's major exporter and importer of goods while Greece is the largest shipping community worldwide.