Piraeus port deal still alive, Greek deputy PM says

The process of privatizing Greece's Piraeus port, halted for months, will resume this month or no later than next month, Greek Deputy Prime Minister Yannis Dragasakis told China Daily on Friday, after witnessing the launch of the China-Greece Maritime Cooperation Year with Vice-Premier Ma Kai.

"During this month, or the next one, the bidding offers will be completed," said Dragasakis, the newly elected Greek government's only deputy prime minister, who is in charge of all economic affairs. "The project is going on. It is in its final stage. The whole project is to be completed this year."

He added that he believes the China Ocean Shipping (Group) Co will be able to make a competitive offer in the bidding.