Asia to the fore at Posidonia

Immigration officials have not seen so many Asians filing through Athens airport since the 2004 Olympics were held here.

Moreover, it might have something to do with the fact that Greece has more than a thousand ships on order. The record Asian turnout at Posidonia 2008 features more than 300 exhibitors. China has the strongest showing with more than 100 stands. Latest figures show that Greeks have 440 ships on order in China, second only to Korea. On Tuesday afternoon a special presentation and reception will be held at the Divani Apollon Palace on doing business with the Chinese. They are here not just for the yards, but the forthcoming privatization of Greek ports. The Koreans have come in big numbers too with some of the most impressive stands as befits the world's largest shipbuilding nation. Meanwhile, the Japanese also have arrived en masse keen to add to the more than 100 vessels on order from Greece at the moment. The Japan Ship Exporters' Association hosts its regular Posidonia reception at the Inter-Continental this Wednesday.