Imports of Chinese goods are on an upward trajectory, soaring to 8 billion euros within a year, according to Konstantinos Giannidis, President of the Hellenic-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, as stated on ERT.
"However, our exports lag significantly behind in comparison to the imports of Chinese products, despite repeated efforts to narrow the gap in imports and exports, but in practice, it is difficult," he emphasized.
Referring to the sectors leading Greek exports to China, Mr. Giannidis mentioned that petroleum products are in the first place, followed by marbles, centrifuges, various metals, and finally, pharmaceuticals. In terms of imports from China, electronic computers take the lead, followed by electrical provisions (connections, panels, cables, etc.), telephone devices, air conditioning devices, and lighting appliances, among others.
According to Mr. Giannidis, imports of products from China were around 5 billion euros according to 2021 data, while within a year (in 2022) they "skyrocketed" to 8 billion euros.
Mr. Giannidis also spoke about the benefits of the golden visa program, the threshold of which was increased from January to 500,000 euros (from 250,000 euros). He also mentioned the increase in Chinese tourists, who, in addition to Santorini, now visit Athens, Delphi, Olympia, and other places.