Samaras: Piraeus is an example of strong growth - 600 new jobs

In the presence of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras ZTE Hellas Telecommunications SA and COSCO signed an agreement today for the use of Piraeus Container Terminal as a logistics center for the ZTE products for the wider region of Southern Europe.

The agreement was signed at the premises of Piraeus Container Terminal SA with the presence of the Chinese ambassador, ministers Hadjidakis and Vroutsis, Captain Ju Weiping of COSCO, ZTE vice president Zhou Jianfeng, etc.

Samaras said "the port of Piraeus is a strong growth vehicle for Greece. It is a gateway connected to the rail infrastructure, a global transportation hub. Such actions, improve the competitiveness of the country and provide jobs. ZTE exploits the stability framework that we are building. This investment will create 600 production jobs when the repair center evolves into an assembly line center."

Referring to ZTE chairman Hou Weigui Samaras said "my word was a contract as was his. Such investments help tackle unemployment which remains the first issue on the agenda of this government. Such actions highlight the confidence of the international entrepreneurship community toward Greece."

Today's event marks the start of a cooperation that will make the port of Piraeus a hub for ZTE products in 12 major markets of Southeastern Europe, namely: Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Cyprus.

The importance of this cooperation for both partners and for Greece, was emphasized by all speakers. ZTE Vice President Zhou Jianfeng said "today's agreement confirms the company's confidence in Greek economy and its commitment to invest in the Greek market. It forms part of a long-term investment, which is expected to create a significant number of jobs, about 400-600, until its completion in about three years from now."

CEO of Piraeus Container Terminal Captain Fu Cheng Qiu said, "we sincerely appreciate the presence of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, which shows the personal and governmental support in the decision of ZTE to choose Piraeus to build its logistics center. Working together for a common goal and helping toward the port’s development, we believe that the port of Piraeus will become the largest container terminal in the Mediterranean, a logistics center, and a southeastern gateway for cargo to and from Europe."