Athens
, 28 September 2009
Journalist: In October this year the People’s Republic of China will have a big celebration for 60th anniversary. How do you comment on the achievements made by new China in the past 60 years, especially after China adopted the opening and economic reform policies in the late 1970s?
Ms. Bakoyannis: China’s progress over the past 60 years has been a remarkable achievement. Especially in the past few decades, the adoption of bold policies in terms of economic reforms has structurally transformed the Chinese economy as well as Chinese society. As a result, China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is emerging today as a leading global power, ready to assume a key role on the international scene. I would like to congratulate the people of China and their leadership on their tireless efforts, which have rendered China a major player and factor for stability in the world economic and political system.
Journalist: What is your message to the Chinese government?
Ms. Bakoyannis: Greece and China have always shared a mutual respect, due to their admirably rich heritage and ancient roots, which grant them a strong sense of individuality, forged throughout the course of history. Today, Greece places particular emphasis on the further strengthening of relations between the two countries by enhancing and broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation in both the economic and political fields. I would also like to express my wish to increase the level of cultural exchange between Greece and China during the era we are entering.
Journalist: There have been different opinions about China’s peacefully emerging as a political and economic power. Some people hold that it poses a threat to the world, while some people on the contrary believe it would contribute to the stability and development of the world? What is your opinion on that?
Ms. Bakoyannis: Greece acknowledges China’s important role as a factor for stability and development both in Asia and on the international stage. This opinion was confirmed beyond doubt by the hosting, about a year ago, of the Olympic Games, with widely acclaimed success. The sensible attitude that the Chinese government has displayed towards the current serious global financial crisis is also credible proof of responsibility in a major global player like China.
Journalist: As to the current serious global financial crisis, how do you think it can be solved? What is your opinion on China’s role in this process and other international affairs as well?
Ms. Bakoyannis: From my point of view, the fiscal and monetary policy can give us the instruments, firstly, to mitigate the impact of the global financial crisis and secondly, to use it as a stepping stone for bold reforms and future development. The implementation of resolute measures should aim at generating employment, stimulating demand, improving transparency of capital markets, creating liquidity and, all in all, at stabilizing international markets. We should focus on the enhancement of our policies so as to achieve a boost in economic growth.
It is my strong belief that, in the globalized era, any crisis can be confronted only through coordinated global action. We should all try to fulfill our obligations and recognize our responsibilities. China’s role has proven to be a leading one in this process, as it has already urged the international community to jointly deal with the crisis and to ensure financial stability. Despite the global recession, thanks to the adoption of effective economic measures, China’s economy is expected to grow by about 8 percent this year, while its annual trade surplus still remains huge. Therefore, China’s contribution, as one of the largest economies in the world, is important to the tackling of the crisis.
Journalist: What is your opinion or comment on current Greek-Chinese relationship and your expectation on bilateral relationship? How to further explore Sino-Greek all-around strategic partnership?
Ms. Bakoyannis: Our countries maintain traditional bonds of friendship. The very good relations between our peoples are also confirmed by the high-level visits that we have been exchanging in recent years. I would like to single out the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to Athens, in November 2008. Our governments have created the right conditions for building a favorable political and economic environment. We strongly adhere to, and believe in, our strategic partnership with China. In this context, concrete acts on our side have been evident in our bilateral relations as well as in multilateral policies, and in consideration of the international interests of China.
In the economic field, it is up to the business communities to explore the prospects that are being opened up and invest, although there is still room for improving the institutional framework.
Journalist: The handover for the administration of Piraeus Port will be taking place soon. How do you comment of this event? Is there any other aspect that Greece and China could expand its economic cooperation?
Ms. Bakoyannis: I consider COSCO’s participation in the administration of Piraeus Port to be of utmost importance for both economies. On the one hand, concerning the Chinese economy, Piraeus port, thanks to its geographical position, can become an important hub for Chinese goods on the way to the markets of EU states and to the broader region of Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. Goods from Asia can be loaded on large container ships and then be offloaded at Greek ports to smaller vessels, in order to be transported to the surrounding countries.
On the other hand, the gains for the Greek Economy are also considerable, as the agreement will bring Greece €4.3 billion over a 35-year period and about 1,000 new jobs will be created. What’s more, COSCO’s investment in Piraeus port will increase its capacity up to 250%.
The aforementioned cooperation is an opportunity for Greece and China to bolster their traditionally excellent ties. Moreover, Greek ship-owners are the best partners of the Chinese shipyards. However, there are also many other untapped opportunities for cooperation between the two countries, in fields where they have already signed bilateral agreements, such as the Scientific and Technological Cooperation in 1979, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for SMEs in 2006 and the MOU for Development Cooperation in 2008.
Journalist: The first Confucius Institute in Greece will be opened here in Athens in October. How do you comment on this? What is your opinion on the cultural exchanges between China and Greece as both China and Greece are rich in cultural heritage?
Ms. Bakoyannis: Our countries share age-old histories and cultures. Almost five thousand years of history and civilization have resulted in our forging common bonds. Apart from the multifaceted bilateral cooperation with China, it is essential to work towards further promoting cultural cooperation. We are certain that the hosting by Beijing of the Cultural Year of Greece in China has significantly contributed to this end, since it provided the Chinese people with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Greek culture and civilization. The opening of the first Confucius Institute marks the continuation of our combined efforts and determination to enhance our cooperation in the cultural domain too.
Journalist: As an important EU member, what kind of suggestions may Greece give on promoting China-EU relationship and the relationship between China and Balkan countries?
Ms. Bakoyannis: As a member of the EU and the Eurozone, Greece can contribute to the expansion of EU-Chinese relations. The organization of seminars and the development of programs for the exchange of ministry officials could contribute to the building of a sentiment of mutual understanding and trust between China and the EU and dissolve any uncertainties, attributed mainly to cultural differences. Greece is willing to assist in this effort to acknowledge and promote the importance of China as an important partner and factor for global stability.
On the other hand, Greece’s geographical position and economic strength present our country as a political and economic gateway to the Southeast Europe region. In the framework of our traditionally good bilateral relations and bearing in mind that Greece is a member of many regional organizations, Greece could assist China in promoting its relations with the countries of Southeastern Europe, particularly given that the COSCO-Piraeus Port Authority agreement is the necessary tool for Chinese goods to reach destinations in the Balkan countries through Greece.