In a moving Posidonia 2014 opening speech, Greek Prime minister Antonis Samaris paid tribute to seafaring as "the essence of Greece, its history and unique civilization." He highlighted recent achievements in the economy, adding that shipping proves one of the country’s two "champion sectors" - alongside tourism - pulling the country out of its recent financial difficulties.

Greece expects to receive a record 20 million visitors this year, while Posidonia 2014, the world’s most prestigious shipping exhibition, has already broken the previous attendance record and more than 1,870 exhibitors from 93 countries and an estimated 19,000 visitors “The economic potential of the Greek commercial fleet and the strategic positioning of Greece in future world commerce are gaining power by the day,” the Prime Minister continued. The Greek-operated fleet represents some 15% of world commerce, and in the past 10 years Greek owners have built more than 2,500 oceangoing ships, mainly in Asian shipyards, he continued.

Even more importantly, Greece is now becoming "the most stable
country in an unstable region" and a perfect gateway for commerce from Asian ports, "extending from the Middle East to the Far East and Japan, through the Suez Canal to the continental European markets," Samaras said. Theodore Veniamis, president of the Union of Greek Shipowners, replied by thanking the Prime Minister for his presence; he urged that "shipping should be a central part of the vision of European politicians due to its strategic importance for Europe and as the main facilitator of world trade and globalisation."

See also: IBNA: Greek economy on the mend; growth expected as economic sentiment rises