ATHENS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- China and Greece have been urged to step up practical cooperation in maritime affairs, shipping finance and green development during the Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition 2026 in Athens, as both sides seek to advance the shipping industry's transition toward decarbonization, digitalization and smart operations.

The calls were jointly made by Chinese and Greek officials and industry leaders during a series of China-hosted events held on Wednesday on the sidelines of Posidonia 2026, the international maritime exhibition held in Athens from June 1 to 5, which attracted more than 2,200 companies from 83 countries and regions, making it one of the world's leading maritime industry gatherings.

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 underlined that international cooperation is crucial for advancing the green transition of the maritime sector and achieving a realistic global framework for reducing shipping emissions.

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

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