An important meeting in the context of a working lunch took place on Wednesday, October 1, between the Association of Banking & Financial Executives of Greek Shipping and the Bank of China, on the occasion of the visit to our country by the Deputy General Manager of Bank of China in Europe, Mr. Deng Lei, and the Head of the Europe Finance Department, Ms. Kerry Lin Zhang.
Also present at the meeting from the bank’s side were the General Manager for Greece, Ms. Zhao Nan, and her executives, Mr. Hu Yongming and Mr. Yan Qing, while from the Association, President Mr. Georgios Xiradakis and Vice President Mr. Georgios Laios.
Mr. Xiradakis referred to the current presence of Greek Shipping and also described the current state of financing for Greek Shipping. He emphasized that Greek Shipping is steadily financed by all international banks as well as Greek banks, which have now taken a dominant position. Undoubtedly, the role of Chinese banks and especially leasing companies remains important and continues to develop.
Mr. Xiradakis added the development of competition among financiers both in terms of the cost of financing and in the structures of new loans. Characteristically, he stated that the period of high profit margins has ended and competition among financiers has returned. Mr. Deng Lei referred to the bank’s desire to develop and expand shipping finance in Greece and Europe and confirmed the bank’s interest through the development of its Bank of China office in Greece, which employs both Chinese and Greek executives and staff. Mr. Deng, known in the international market for developing portfolios in the aviation industry and the supply chain, as well as Ms. Zhao, mentioned the bank’s desire to strengthen conventional financing and develop a significant portfolio in the Greek market.
In the discussion that followed, Mr. Laios described the different ways of cooperation among shipping financiers as well as the successful structures of the banks’ finance departments that support Greek shipping. Ms. Zhao referred to the development of the bank’s office in Athens and the reinforcement of new staff with the aim of achieving the goals through the new strategy.
The meeting concluded with the encouragement for all to collaborate for the further development of partnerships between Greek and foreign banks in shipping finance. Mr. Deng Lei was presented with a commemorative gift as a token of appreciation for his visit to Piraeus and for the meeting with the Association.
