Greece has the potential to attract up to 37 billion euros in investments over the next five-year period, primarily in the energy, infrastructure, real estate development and waste management sectors, speakers reiterated here during a seminar on Tuesday organised by the agency Invest in Greece, with the support of the Greek embassy in China.

Addressing the event, Greek ambassador Theodore Georgakelos expressed his optimism over the future and confidence that the east Mediterranean country will attract noteworthy foreign investment.

“Already we have had some very positive results,” he noted, referring to a handful of high-profile foreign ventures in Greece over the recent period, and in particular, to the investment by the Chinese shipping giant Cosco at the port of Piraeus. “The investment has turned profitable for the company despite the problems that the global shipping industry faces," he said.

In a bid to look beyond the current punishing economic crisis plaguing Greece, Invest in Greece executive Angela Michalopoulou said the current situation nevertheless presents many opportunities for Chinese investors.

Michalopoulou outlined ongoing government reforms aimed to spur investments and growth and showcased what she called competitive advantages and growth sector opportunities in Greece, including a new "fast track" law.