The One Belt One Road (Obor) Initiative and the Port of Piraeus: Understanding Greece’’s Role in China’’s Strategy to Construct a Unified Large Market

This book provides the reader with a better understanding of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, its various projects around the world, and its consequences at a local as well as an international level. Background information on both Chinese and Greek sociopolitical history and their maritime industry is provided. The book also provides readers with the opinions of people directly involved with the Piraeus Port--China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO) deal through interviews conducted and included in the book.

OBOR, a signature initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, is currently one of the most frequently discussed enterprises worldwide. This controversial mix of worldwide projects has put both China and Xi at the center of attention, and not in a positive way. Of course, not all projects included in the initiative have been or are likely to be successful, but the initiative has far-ranging economic, cultural, and political potential. OBOR, in its essence, is an attempt by the Chinese government to secure a paramount position in global finance for the country and ensure that primacy extends far into the future. In particular, it is an attempt to ensure that there are enough natural resources for China to support itself in the long term. Therefore, the areas selected for the implementation and development of OBOR are deliberately strategic. One of the countries that China has chosen to invest in is Greece, specifically the Port of Piraeus.

The OBOR initiative has many similarities with the ancient Silk Road. Although the ancient route and modern concept are in no way identical, many similarities become evident when the two are compared. To understand China’s motivation to build such a network, looking back at history is required.

This project was long in the making. Various discussions took place both on an international and a domestic level until all parties came to an agreement. The deal at Piraeus between Greece and China affected more people than the politicians and the shipowners--it affected everyone involved in the operations of the port as well as the residents of the area. To further comprehend the impact on their lives, one must see things through their eyes, and there is no better way than contacting individuals and conversing with them.

In conclusion, the specific deal at Piraeus and the OBOR initiative as a whole have the potential of benefiting the international and local communities. However, specific measures must be taken, and governments must collaborate in order for the deal in Piraeus and the OBOR initiative to have the most beneficial and the least negative impact.

Tatiana Gontika, is currently a graduate student in SUNY Maritime. Originally from Greece, she move to London when she was 18 and got accepted to Goldsmiths College, University of London, from where she graduated in 2010 with a BA in Anthropology. In 2013 she moved to Colombia where she interned in La Personeria de Medellin, while studying Spanish in EAFIT (Escuela de Administracion, Finanzas e Instituto Tecnologico). In early 2014, Tatiana moved to Buenos Aires where she stayed for the next four years. During her stay she worked in Evdemon & Partners as an office manager, as well as assistant office developer for Rio de Janeiro office. Tatiana was also head of the accounting department for both Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro offices. In August of 2018 Tatiana enrolled to SUNY Maritime from where she is expected to graduate in May 2020. Upon graduation Tatiana will pursue a career in Shipping in Greece or some other European country. Larry Howard, Ph.D. is a respected Professor, with a doctorate in Political Science, and several decades of experience in the maritime industry as an entrepreneur, shipping agent, and marketing executive. His dual academic/industry background enables him to apply professional expertise in the areas of conference staging, curriculum development, global logistics, international law, maritime transportation, public advocacy, research, supply chain security, vulnerability assessment, and writing. Dr. Howard is currently a full, tenured Professor in the Global Business and Transportation Department (GBAT), State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College. He also chaired the GBAT Department at SUNY Maritime College, from July 15, 2005 to April 17, 2012. Beginning in 2006, Dr. Howard initiated and directed at SUNY Maritime three annual ＂Trojan Horse＂ events, exercise scenarios that tested the vessel security and facility security plans at the college but also involved a collaborative testing of security plans of other participants, including federal, state, and local agencies, and private sector shipping companies. In collaboration with Professor Jeff Weiss, Dr. Howard organized the annual Conference on Cutting-edge Issues in Shipping (known as the ＂Groundhog Day Event＂ at SUNY Maritime) that convened for the seventh and last time in February 2012. After a 6-year hiatus, SUNY Maritime College has decided to bring back the Groundhog Day Event, and the 8th conference will be held February 2, 2018. The event is now to be biannual, and in the off-year, Dr. Howard and his colleagues will stage the Maritime Security Conference (MARSECON) at SUNY Maritime. In collaboration with Professor Weiss Dr. Howard co-hosted several symposiums, including ＂In Hot Pursuit of Pirates＂ in April, 2009, and ＂Women in the Business of Shipping＂ in April 2010, and ＂The Tanker Industry＂ in April, 2011. Dr. Howard continues to research, teach, and write in his several fields of interest.