Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is planning an official visit to China from July 2 to the 6th. The prime minister will be accompanied by a group of businessmen during his visit to Beijing that aims to encourage Chinese investment in Greek ports, infrastructure, and other sectors.

"We support the present Chinese investments in Greece, including COSCO’s". This is what Alexis Tsipras has said a year ago. This is the the message the Greek prime minister will transfer to China during his visit to China.

"The visit of Greek Premier Tsipras to China is of increased significance. It marks the beginning of a new era of economic cooperation following the privatisation of Piraeus Port Authority. Europe and Asia can be connected via Greece," said Dr. George Tzogopoulos, founder of chinaandgreece.com..

The Greek Port of Piraeus is the first stop in Europe for numerous passengers and Greece boasts the world’s largest merchant fleet, carrying 60 percent of Chinese exports worldwide. Since 2000, thanks to Cosco, China has effectively exploited the size and centrality of Piraeus port, now controlling two-thirds of its total traffic.

Piraeus port together with Greek airports are a great opportunity for China to expand its presence in Europe.

"China stands by the side of Greece in the period of economic crisis and Greece is a safe country and a stable friend of China," said Zoe Economou, Greek-Chinese market expert.

Despite the collapse of international investment, China has continued to demonstrate that it has not given up on Greece. Indeed, Greece represents for China something that has been defined by the foreign media as one of its most successful foreign trade initiatives.

Ministers and Greek businessmen accompany Alexis Tsipras to this important visit. According to first information not only financial agreements will be signed, but also the visit will focus on cooperation in culture.