"PIRAEUS FAMILY"

"China is one of the most important foreign investors in our country. China came with COSCO and State Grid and invested in Greece in very difficult times for our economy. We will never forget that," Greek Minister of Development and Investments Adonis Georgiadis told Xinhua.

In Vamvakidis' view, COSCO is far more than an investor or employer, as he sees it as his family, and feels proud to join it and contribute to this successful story.

Vamvakidis' two sons, aged 33 and 35, respectively, are also working at the port, with his home not far from his company.

Likewise, Piraeus is also much more than a harbor for him since he has been working in the port for nearly 50 years and has developed a deep emotional bond with it.

When addressing a BRI forum a few years ago, he called himself "a child of Piraeus." Now his sons and three grandsons have also become "children of Piraeus." He recalled vividly how excited his oldest grandson was when the 4-year-old boy first saw the huge cranes at the port.

Vamvakidis said COSCO's investment is very important, for it has helped and will further boost the local shipping society and help create a better future.