Dear Nadia, Managing Director of HEPO,
Chief Editor Mr. Tsiros, Mr. Fotiadis,
Dear Friends,
Kalispera sas. Thank you all for joining us here in celebrating the Shanghai Expo and the upcoming Greek Day. I am most happy to see so many friends here.
It has been the third year into the financial crisis, but the world remains at a critical juncture. As the first EXPO ever hosted by a developing country, EXPO Shanghai represents an important opportunity both for China and for Greece. Why? Allow me to share my analyses with you.
First, EXPO Shanghai is the platform for the world to rethink the way of life and business and look into the future. The financial crisis is challenging our economy, mentality and creativity. To that, the only right answer is change. The Greek government has made efforts to achieve green development. The Chinese government has been exploring a way to scientific development. China's pattern of economic growth is changing in three dimensions: from relying on investment and export to a combination of consumption, investment and export; from relying on secondary industry to a combination of agriculture, manufacture and service; from relying on the use of raw materials and energy to technological improvement, training of the labor force and innovation of the management. Both the necessity and blueprint for change are somehow reflected in the motto of the EXPO Shanghai, Better City, Better Life. I hope the Shanghai fair will gather and disseminate brilliant thoughts of the way to a better future.
Second, the Expo provides an opportunity for more interactions between China and Greece. At non-governmental levels, the Greek Pavilion at the fair is not only an important representation of the ancient civilization, but also a colorful window to Chinese citizens, students and potential tourists. The music morning Sound of Light and gala performance Echo of the Living Myth will show the charm of modern Greek culture. At official levels, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Pangalos has honoured us by attending the opening ceremony of the EXPO, when he met with his Chinese counterpart. Minister Katseli will most probably open the Greek Day in Shanghai on June 19. And we are expecting more high-level interactions between the two countries this year, soon to be announced.
Third, the platform of Expo will help the two countries forge stronger business ties. Greece has planned a series of activities during the Expo, including an Economic Conference, a Shipping Conference, a forum on tourism, a fashion week, and a tourism week. Our shipping cooperation will be enriched. Cosco and its partners in the CKYH Alliance will make Piraeus port their major entry point into Europe for Chinese cargo, and more fruitful partnerships are on the way of being established. Greece has decided to join efforts with neighboring countries to promote tourism on the Chinese market. For that, we are willing to work with the Greek government, local authorities and business communities to tap the potential, for more Chinese visitors to pay homage to beautiful Greece. We are open to expand our import of Greek products and explore more possibilities of cooperation.
Last but not the least, in international relations, better mutual understanding lays the ground for more fruitful cooperation. China is working hard to learn more about Greece. News media play an important role of shaping public opinions towards each other. Our official news agency Xinhua has a local existence here, and I hope Greece will soon dispatch a resident correspondent in Beijing, to have first-hand information and write reports about present-day China. I am happy that Kathimerini's recent trip to China has proved fruitful in deepening understanding of my country.
Education, learning each other's language is also important for people to get closer. There are three universities, in Beijing and Shanghai, that have staff specialized in teaching Greek and researching on Greece. Two of them have Greek language faculties, two hosting Greek Study Centers. I hope, with the establishment of Confucius Institute in Athens last year, more young Greek people will be able to understand the Chinese language.
Dear friends,
Once again I thank you for your attention to China and EXPO Shanghai, for your contribution to friendship between the two ancient civilizations and our peoples. Let's work hard and make concerted efforts, for better life, better understanding, and better cooperation.
