Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-05-11

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] FM holds talks on trade, shipping in China

[01] FM holds talks on trade, shipping in China

The agreement with the CCPIT - the first signed with a foreign state - calls for the foundation of a business cooperation network between trade attache bureaus and Chinese businessmen in 11 Chinese provinces, for the exchange of information on business contacts, international exhibitions and investments.

In an earlier meeting with Chinese government officials, Bakoyannis also raised demands made by Greek shipping firms that have ordered ships in China, receiving assurances that a meeting between Greek shipping companies and shipyard representatives would soon be arranged to settle the outstanding problems.

The minister also emphasised the potential for Greek-Chinese cooperation in shipping and port services, Greece's role as a gateway for the surrounding region and stressed the need for mutual certification of products in order to revive trade, while calling for simplification of procedures for the import of Greek agricultural products.

Addressing a Greek-Chinese business forum where the memorandum was signed, meanwhile, Bakoyannis said that Athens was interested in the exchange of knowhow on renewable energy sources and cooperation in tourism.

Businesses that formed part of a delegation accompanying the minister held meetings with more than 200 Chinese businesses based in Beijing and Shanghai during the trip.

On Friday morning, Bakoyannis addressed the Greek Studies department at Beijing University on the Athens Olympic Games, in which she particularly emphasised the importance of the Olympic Truce.

On Friday evening, she is to attend a concert by Greek singer Alkistis Protopsalti that is being held in the Forbidden City to mark the 35th anniversary since Greece and China established diplomatic relations. Her visit to China ends on Saturday, following the inauguration of the first outlet in a new chain of shops selling childrens' clothing founded by the Greek company Folli-Follie.

The company is already established in China with a chain of 60 shops, which it plans to increase to 100 by the end of the year.

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