Athens Mayor Haris Doukas is set to embark on a significant journey to Shanghai this week, aiming to bolster the already strong ties between the two bustling metropolises. The visit comes on the heels of a sister city agreement signed between Athens and Shanghai earlier this year, solidifying their commitment to collaboration across various domains such as tourism, culture, innovation, and sustainability.
The forthcoming trip holds strategic importance as Mayor Doukas seeks to delve into opportunities centered around sustainable mobility, tourism, and innovation during his inaugural official visit to Shanghai. His itinerary includes participation in ITB China, a prominent travel and trade fair that plays a pivotal role in fostering connections between global destinations. Notably, the direct flights initiated by China’s Juneyao Airlines between Athens and Shanghai have significantly enhanced tourism between the two cities.
Mayor Doukas, a distinguished professor at the National Technical University of Athens with a wealth of experience in renewable energy and sustainability initiatives, is slated to engage with Higer, a leading Chinese electric bus manufacturer. This meeting is poised to kickstart knowledge exchange on sustainable transportation, aligning with Athens’ plans to introduce electric vehicles into its municipal commuter service.
Furthermore, Mayor Doukas is scheduled to address the Shanghai International Friendship Cities Cooperation Forum 2025, shedding light on environmental monitoring, sustainable resource recycling, and green transformation strategies. These discussions underscore a shared commitment to fostering long-term sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
As Greece continues to rebound from its economic downturn, under the leadership of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the country’s tourism sector has thrived, attracting significant investments from Chinese conglomerates like COSCO Shipping and State Grid. Against this backdrop, Mayor Doukas remains optimistic about strengthening ties with Shanghai, emphasizing the importance of technology transfer and cultural exchange between the two historically rich cities.
Moreover, Mayor Doukas underscores the significance of embracing digitalization and smart urban solutions to enhance citizen engagement and promote sustainable living. Drawing inspiration from Shanghai’s advancements in green urban planning, Athens aims to emulate these practices to realize its vision of a sustainable, eco-friendly city.
Accompanying Mayor Doukas on this diplomatic mission are notable figures from Athens, including Antigoni Lymperopoulos, CEO of the Hellenic Development Bank of Investments, and Panagiotis Karampinis, CEO of Endeavor Greece. Their collective presence in Shanghai signifies a shared commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchanges and driving innovation in key sectors.
As Mayor Doukas prepares to embark on this transformative journey, the stage is set for Athens and Shanghai to deepen their collaboration, paving the way for a future marked by sustainable development, cultural exchange, and mutual prosperity.
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