Syriza Tells Greek Shipping Forum ‘No Surprise’ Changes to Existing Policies

Syriza candidate, economics professor George Stathakis, pledged several hours before his party emerged triumphant on Sunday winning the majority vote in national elections, that there would be “no surprises”, when asked if there would be changes to the existing framework covering shipping during the 1^st Naftemporiki Shipping Forum held on January 22.

Mr Stathakis underlined that if changes were to be made, they would come after consultation and without surprises, and stressed that, as always, shipping would be present in the challenges facing Greece. He added that industry issues have already been discussed informally between the shipping community and Syriza representatives.

Recognizing the crucial role of Greek shipping internationally and locally, financial daily Naftemporiki held its first shipping forum on January 22, when shipping experts, shipowners and market insiders discussed the challenges ahead and offered viable solutions for the future of one of Greece’s driving forces.

“Greek Shipping is willing to offer a great deal to the local economy under one non-negotiable condition: respect of the existing institutional framework of operation that allows it to remain globally competitive,” Greek Shipowners Union president Theodore Veniamis said three days before the elections.

He added that Greek-owned shipping wishes to remain in Greece, and is above party policies and interests.

Mr. Veniamis underlined the crucial role of Greek shipping in Europe and the global economy. International shipping, he said, will continue to be a driving force in the future despite the challenges, but must remain competitive.

Greek shipping is one of the country’s leading industries, accounting for 4.5 percent of GDP and employing over 160,000 people.