"Two Chinese companies have sent a letter to Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras that expresses their interest in jointly acquiring a 55% stake in Athens International Airport. The Chinese companies stated that they would use their own funds to turn Greece's main air terminal into an international transit hub and as an entry point for Chinese travelers to other European countries".
"The Greek government has announced a wide ranging privatization program that includes rail and road transportation, airports and ports, utilities, gaming and public real estate holdings. The program aims to help the debt laden country restructure its economy.
Chinese investors are among those attracted by the Greek offers. Friedmann Pacific Asset Management and Shenzhen Airport Group Company have announced interest in becoming the principle shareholders of Athens International Airport".
However, the main Greek airport hasn't entered a tender process yet. That's according to Notis Mitarachi, Vice Minister for Development and Competitiveness.
"We have not yet announced an official tender process. Therefore, the interest that has been expressed up to now is just an expression of interest. We have seen interest from China for the airports of Greece. Both the regional and the main airport, and also we see interest from Chinese individuals," Mitarachi said.
Meanwhile, bureaucracy is a major problem says Ioannis Theofanopoulos, a member of the Hellenic-Chinese Chamber and former Greek Ambassador to China.
"I believe this period and the next three years are very positive for investment in Greece. The only thing that we have to pay attention to is to fight all the bureaucratic complications. We are very famous for this. There are many questions with no immediate answers," he said.
The Chinese intend to turn "Eleftherios Venizelos" into a transportation hub for both passengers and their representatives. The Chinese consortium wishes to create a gateway to Europe from Asia. The Athens International Airport seems to be the best choice since it offers opportunities for growth and expansion.
Athens is the 35th busiest airport in Europe with just over 12.5 million passengers each year.
Source:CCTV
