China Greek Times, a Chinese-language community newspaper published in Greece since 2005, has launched a Greek-language section.
“Our readers used to be Chinese people who live and work in Greece, but also Chinese visitors to the country,” Lydia Liang, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief, told Kathimerini. “However, as our two peoples have grown much closer over the past two years and the two governments work more closely together, we have decided to expand to a Greek audience.”
The new edition constitutes a communication bridge for many Greeks, mainly businessmen wishing to expand their activities to the Asian power.
“Many Greeks want to know more about the real China by reading Chinese news directly,” says Liang.
“There are already businessmen who have found partners in China and expanded their activities, like Coco-Mat with its mattresses, Vianex with the pharmacy and Boutaris wines,” notes journalist Giorgos Tzogopoulos, specialist in Greek relations. -Chinese and one of the newspaper’s columnists and founder of the site chinaandgreece.com. “Language has always been a barrier and with this initiative we are removing it. »
Tzogopoulos admits that political uncertainty in Greece makes potential Chinese investors hesitant, but in the meantime, “they are waiting and are interested in making acquaintances in the Greek business world.”
The journal is 32 pages long. Part of it is written exclusively in Chinese and includes topics that are of interest only to Greece’s 10,000-strong Chinese community. The Greek part will contain news from China, the Chinese Embassy in Greece, Chinese businesses in Greece and the Chinese community. The newspaper works with China Radio International and other media outlets in the Asian country to provide richer content.
It is available at some kiosks in downtown Athens, especially near major tourist attractions. It can also be delivered by subscription.