China and Greece should step up practical cooperation in maritime affairs, shipping finance and green development, officials and industry leaders said Wednesday during an international maritime exhibition in Athens. 

The calls came during a series of China-hosted events on the sidelines of the Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition 2026, held from June 1 to 5, which attracted more than 2,200 companies from 83 countries and regions. Both sides seek to advance the shipping industry's transition toward decarbonization, digitalization and smart operations. 

Greek Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias highlighted the importance of Piraeus as a major international shipping hub and stressed its strategic role in global maritime transport.

He said international cooperation is crucial for the maritime sector's green transition and for achieving a realistic global framework to reduce shipping emissions.

Deputy Minister of Maritime and Insular Policy Stefanos Gkikas praised the long-standing maritime cooperation between Greece and China, noting that about 43% of Greek-owned vessels are built in China. He said the strong presence of Chinese companies at Posidonia reflects deepening cooperation between the two countries in shipbuilding and maritime equipment manufacturing.

Chinese Ambassador to Greece Fang Qiu called for expanded cooperation in ports, shipping finance, insurance and arbitration, and urged joint efforts to advance the green and digital transformation of the shipping industry as well as the development of international green shipping corridors.

Institutional and business initiatives were also launched during the events, including a shipping finance center in Athens by Bank of China (Europe) and a representative office in Greece by China State Shipbuilding Corporation. Participants said these moves mark a new phase in cooperation efforts linking industry, finance and supply chains.