With an address at the China–Europe CEO Summit, the opening of the Greek pavilion at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), a series of meetings with the leadership of COSCO Shipping, local authorities and Chinese businesses, and visits to the production facilities of Greek companies, Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Outreach Haris Theoharis has completed the China leg of his visit, which took place in Shanghai from 4 to 6 November 2026.
As part of his participation in the CIIE, the Deputy Minister attended a dinner hosted by Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang, as well as the expo’s official events. He also opened the Greek pavilion and met Greek exhibitors.
Greece’s participation showcased the potential of Greek products and businesses in the Chinese market, with the aim of boosting exports and developing new trade partnerships. Mr Theoharis also delivered opening remarks at the business forum organised by Enterprise Greece and the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Shanghai’s Hellas House.
Economic cooperation
In his address to the China–Europe CEO Summit, the Deputy Minister highlighted the prospects for further expanding economic cooperation between Greece and China, with a focus on increasing Greek exports, attracting productive investment and developing synergies in new sectors. He cited a 68.1% increase in Greek exports to China in 2025, to €697.2 million, stressing the importance of improving access to the Chinese market and strengthening the presence of more Greek businesses there.
Particular attention was given to the scope for cooperation in clean energy, technology, advanced manufacturing, sustainable tourism and infrastructure. Mr Theoharis said economic diplomacy aimed to deliver measurable results through investments that are realised, new export opportunities and job creation.
He also underscored Greece’s support for a constructive economic relationship between the European Union and China, based on reciprocity, fair competition and respect for international trade rules.
COSCO investment
At his meeting with COSCO President Lin Ji, attended by Han Chao, Chairman of the Port of Piraeus Authority, they discussed the progress of the investment and the prospects for further developing the port of Piraeus. The Deputy Minister highlighted the investment’s importance for bilateral relations, placing particular emphasis on strengthening its positive impact on local communities, cooperation with local government and maximising the participation of Greek maritime equipment companies, particularly in shipbuilding and ship repair.
His programme also included a meeting with Shanghai Deputy Mayor Lu Shan, attended by Alexandra Palli, Deputy Regional Governor for Entrepreneurship and European Planning at the Attica Region, as well as meetings with the chief executives of Bank of China and Juneyao Airlines.
The leaders of both groups expressed satisfaction with their operations in Greece. In particular, the chief executive of Juneyao Airlines said that, in just two years of operation, the Shanghai–Athens air route had become the airline’s most popular and profitable destination in Europe.
In a similar vein, the head of Bank of China spoke warmly of the leading Chinese bank’s presence in Greece, noting that its activities would gradually expand into new areas, such as government bonds and currency swap agreements.
Greek industry
The Deputy Minister also visited the production facilities of Plastika Kritis and KLEEMANN in the wider Shanghai area, touring the sites and receiving briefings on their production activities and presence in the Chinese market.
The visits highlighted the strength of Greek industry and the contribution of Greek businesses with an international presence to strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
The meetings in Shanghai form part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ sustained efforts to support the international expansion of Greek businesses and broaden opportunities for cooperation with China in trade, investment, industry and shipping.