The upcoming visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao is an important milestone in bilateral relations and will surely further enhance them, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"I firmly believe that China's growth is an opportunity for Greek companies, producers, exporters and investors. On areas of specific interest to Greece, I should mention our exports of olive oil and canned fruit in particular," he said.

Greece has proposed building a "Greek House" in Beijing for Greek entrepreneurs seeking to enter the Chinese market to exhibit consumer goods and services.

Greece and China have much to offer to each other, he said, suggesting that both countries adopt necessary measures to promote bilateral trade.

"Our aim is to make Greece the prime location in our region for inward Chinese investment," he said.

"China plays an ever growing role in world economic affairs. In the current economic downturn, China's role is crucial. More than ever the world is looking to China to be a contributor to global economic growth."

He added Greece firmly supports the one-China principle.

(Xinhua News Agency November 23, 2008)