Mr. Prime Minister,

Honorable Ministers,

Your Excellency Ambassador Daniel Smith,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

Let me begin by extending our warmest congratulations to the launching of the COSCO PCT, Hewlett-Packard and TRAINOSE tripartite cooperation. As pointed out by previous speakers, what we are witnessing is an event of great significance not only for the businesses directly involved, but also for the future of the Port of Piraeus and the economic revival of our host country. It will, no doubt, be remembered as a milestone in the Port of Piraeus' effort to recapture its position as a major and flourishing maritime transportation and service center in the Mediterranean. Let's wish COSCO PCT and TRAINOSE success in their negotiations with other multi-national businesses. Here I want to share with you what a Greek friend said to me. Like all of us, he is very happy with the COSCO PCT, Hewlett-Packard and TRAINOSE cooperation. He said, αυτή η συνεργασία είναι σαν το Παιδί του Πειραιά στο τραγούδι της Μελίνας Μερκούρης, και να έχουμε ένα και δύο και τρία και τέσσερα τέτοια παιδιά.

As the Ambassador of China in Greece, I'm particularly pleased to note the remarkable success of COSCO PCT's two-and-half year operation. This, of course, came about as a result of the hard work and outstanding performance of the management and employees of COSCO PCT.  It is also thanks to the strong support of the Greek and Chinese Governments and good cooperation that was given by its local and international partners. It bears testimony to COSCO PCT's guiding philosophy of Harmony and Win-win.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to its relations with Greece, and is working hard to further expand our cooperation and exchanges in all areas. We are going to keep on encouraging Chinese enterprises to come and invest in Greece on the principle of "Mutual Benefit and Win-win results". We will be very happy if our cooperation can be of help to Greece's efforts to overcome the current difficulties and bring about growth and long-term development.

Now, please allow me to conclude by wishing COSCO PCT, HP and TRAINOSE success in their cooperation once again!

Thank you!