This is a debate upon-personal-invitation. Further details regarding registration can be found here.

Special event on China’s One Belt-One Road initiative “China and the balance of European interests”, organised by the Balkans & Black Sea Cooperation Forum and TIF-Helexpo, on the occasion of the 82nd Thessaloniki International Fair (9-17/9/2017), at which China is Honorary Country this year.

This conference aims to further debate on the trading and developmental perspectives between China and Europe, and the significance of the various corridors linking Asia’s major economic power through the new Silk Road and the maritime road through the Mediterranean. Sr. Research Fellow Maaike Okano-Heijmans will deliver a lecture on China's pivot on SEE.

AGENDA

16.30: Registrations (Participation by invitation and e-registration only)

17.00: Welcome note
Mr. Giannis Balakakis, Chair Organising Committee Balkans & Black Sea Cooperation Forum

17.10: Sessions introduction
Mrs. Siwarde J. SAP, Member Steering Committee Balkans & Black Sea Cooperation Forum

17:15: One Belt-One Road, caliber for economic development in SEE 
Mr. Stergios Pitsiorlas, Deputy Minister of Economy and Development, Greece

17:45: China’s pivot to SEE, contestation and cooperation in connectivity 
Dr. Maaike Okano-Heijmans, Sr.Research Fellow, Clingendael, Netherlands Institute of International Relations

18:15: The Black Sea economic corridor as a bridge between Europe and Asia 
Ambassador Bratislav Dordevic, Executive Manager of the Permanent International Secretariat, Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation 

18:45: Discussion
 
19.15: Interconnectivity of destinations in the Balkans & Black Sea Region 
Dr. Kyriakos Pozrikidis, Managing Director, TIF Helexpo

19.30: Announcing 2018 Balkans & Black Sea Cooperation Forum Hosting City
2017 Hosting City Governors’ message
Mr. Ioannis Moisiadis, Governor Regional Unit of Serres
2018 Hosting City Governors’ presentation
Mr. Yiannis Boutaris, Mayor of Thessaloniki 

20:00: Networking cocktail