Chinese and Azeris favor Greece

The Hellenic government team appreciates the official visit of premier Samaras to China as a break for the Greek economy, but also for internal political developments.

Returning from his trip to China Samaras stopped in Baku, Azerbaijan as well, and met with the president of the country, Ilham Aliyev, with whom he discussed energy issues.

Arguing, the people around the Greek premier say:

-       it is important even the fact that a global economic power with reserves to invest billions has Greece in its development plans

-       the agreements that were closed for the expansion of COSCO in the port of Piraeus, for Chinese capital in airports and railways, create a positive momentum in the economy

-       the political umbrella given by the stated intention of the two governments for a strategic relationship creates a field of opportunities for the private sector

-       if all goes well, Chinese arrivals in Greece will increase by thousands next year

Τhe most important thing for the Greek government is that the outcome of the trip helps maintain the optimism created by the government. The positive results will help maintain social peace and stability within the tripartite coalition.

The government team leverages this trip to address SYRIZA as well. Samaras did not to miss this opportunity to respond to Alexis Tsipras and his statements on reviewing the privatizations. Samaras blamed the opposition leader for an "intention to fail the country’s attempt for transitory and petty political purposes," and claimed that the people do not agree with the political opposition.

This argument reflects the positive aspect of things. Even if everything goes as planned at a practical level it will take more than one year to see concrete results, particularly in the creation of jobs. In addition, the development these placements will bring will be of the "Chinese" type.

But there is a strategic dimension as well. The Chinese will actually make Greece a key gateway to the EU, increasing their entrance to Europe. This will generate reactions from Greece’s European partners. As s Greek minister said in China, this will require careful handling. Besides, as one of the rewards for their investment in Greece the Chinese want Greece’s support during its EU presidency, in order to enhance their positions in the EU and overcome the reluctance of other countries, including that of Germany.