Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zou Xiaoli reads a congratulatory letter from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during the opening ceremony of the 82nd Thessaloniki International Trade Fair in Thessaloniki, Greece, Sept. 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
During the ceremony, shortly before Tsipras delivers his address, Chinese ambassador to Greece Zou Xiaoli read a congratulatory letter from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang underlining the great prospects of stronger Sino-Greek collaboration in the future.
Greece has moved forward from the period of the Grexit specter to the new era of Greinvest, Tsipras said, referring to the increased investment interest for Greece lately from many foreign investors.
He noted that the improvement was not accidental, but thanks to reforms implemented and progress steps made.
"The country is upgraded and is becoming a strategic partner of the most significant economic powers on the planet," he said.
Outlining the government's economic policy in coming months, Tsipras promised a series of measures aimed to support employment, entrepreneurism and the most vulnerable members of Greek society.
He expressed confidence that in a year from now Greece will be in a better state.
"After eight years, the country will inaugurate the 83rd TIF free from adjustment programs and outside the strict supervision. This is our goal and we are determined to achieve it and for the country to stand on its own feet," the Greek leader said.
During this year's TIF, which is the largest on terms of participants and visitors of the past decade, Greek organizers hope to seal deals which will contribute to Greece's economic recovery.
This year's TIF, which closes Sept. 17, is expected to attract some 250,000 visitors from 17 countries and regions to stroll through the kiosks of 1,500 exhibitors.
China's exhibition hall which was inaugurated by the Greek prime minister earlier on Saturday occupies an area of six acres, with about 170 companies including the giants representing major sectors of the Chinese economy.
