The “Posidonia” 2014 international shipping fair opened its doors on Monday at the Metropolitan Expo Centre, near Athens International Airport. The prestigious event was launched in presence of the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and Merchant Marine Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis. “Greece is emerging as the best possible gateway to continental Europe for sea trade from the Middle East and Far East Asia” stressed Prime Minister in his address. “Greece needs investments to upgrade port infrastructure and land networks, as well as for shipyards and to promote the country as a regional centre for producing and transmitting energy” he added. Some of the largest shipping companies from the Far East (China, Japan, Korea), as well as companies from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman participate in this year’s exhibition, the biggest ever, as the organizers proudly say. “Posidonia” 2014 features 1,800 exhibitors from 93 countries. 19,000 visitors are expected until Friday June 6, when the exhibition ends.