On 4 March 2014, the Clingendael Institute organizes an expert seminar on Chinese involvement in European ports, with particular attention to the case of Cosco’s investment in the port of Piraeus, Greece. Selected participants from the public and private sectors will discuss how Chinese involvement at Piraeus is relevant for EU-China relations and for the Dutch logistics sector. Participation in this seminar is upon invitation only.

New trade routes

China is developing into a major investor in Europe. A new report by Clingendael's senior research fellow Frans-Paul van der Putten describes how in a short period of time the Chinese state-owned enterprise Cosco has emerged as a major player in the port of Piraeus, Greece. As a result of Cosco's involvement, the port of Piraeus currently has the world's fastest growing container terminal. The report shows that the Chinese government is creating new trade routes between China and Central Europe by way of investments in ports and railways in Southeast Europe. This affects the potential for ports in Western Europe to facilitate trade flows between Central Europe and China.

Implications for the Netherlands

With regard to European economic interests, the report notes that several global manufacturing companies are setting up new distribution centres at Piraeus. These activities are a direct result of Cosco’s presence at the port and have the potential of reaching into Central Europe, including (parts of) Germany. Should this trend continue it cannot be ruled out that it will affect trade flows between China and Germany that go via Rotterdam.

Organisation and participation

This closed meeting brings together representatives of the Dutch government, the European External Action Service, the business sector and the academic community to discuss the findings of the report.
Inquiries regarding this expert seminar can be sent to asia@clingendael.nl.

Programme

13:00             Welcome by chair (Maaike Okano-Heijmans, Clingendael Institute)

13:05-13:25   Presentation of research report: Cosco’s investment in Piraeus in the context of Sino-EU relations (Frans-Paul van der Putten, Clingendael Institute)
                      Followed by Q&A and discussion

13:25-14:15  Direct investment in the EU by non-EU state-owned entities (Rene van Hell, Director International Enterprise, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
                      Followed by Q&A and discussion

14:15-14:30  Coffee break

14:30-15:20  The relevance of Chinese FDI in European infrastructure for EU-China relations (George Cunningham, Acting Head China Division, European External Action Service)
                      Followed by Q&A and discussion

15:20:-16:15 Introduction discussion 3: Relevance of Chinese investment in Piraeus for the Dutch port and logistics sector (speaker to be confirmed)
                      Followed by Q&A and discussion

16:15 Drinks