Although the Greek privatizations landscape remains unclear, Chinese interest in Athens International Airport remains strong.

The head of Hong Kong-based Friedmann Pacific Asset Management Ltd (FPAM), Mike Poon, told Reuters that his company will call on the Greek government to immediately start the process for the privatization of the country’s main airport. Poon added that he is planning to travel to Greece in the second quarter of the year to begin talks with government officials on the issue.

FPAM has expressed an interest in a majority stake in AIA in cooperation with Shenzhen Airport Group with the intention of making it the main gateway for Chinese tourists into Europe. In the past Poon has promised the transfer of more than 50 million Chinese tourists per year to Europe via Athens.