By A. Tsimplakis
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China's visiting Minister of Transport Li Xiaopeng has reportedly asked the Greek side to accelerate the process for approval of a master plan submitted by Chinese multinational Cosco for its Port of Piraeus Authority.
Li broached of the subject during his meeting on Monday with Greek Shipping Minister Fotis Kouvelis, which was also attended by China's new ambassador to Greece, Zhang Qiyue, and Cosco president Xu Lirong.
Li also said Cosco's investment in Piraeus is an example of a "strategic option", and the basis for further bilateral relations.
According to sources that spoke with "N", the Greek side requested that the massive Chinese investment at the port, Greece's largest and busiest, should have an "added value" for the local and national economy.
On his part, the Chinese minister referred directly to Beijing's "Belt & Road" and the maritime "Silk Road" initiatives, as well as further cooperation with Greece in the maritime transport sector.
