Last year, two members of the German parliament caused outrage by suggesting that Greece should sell off some of its uninhabited islands to reduce its debt.

"Greece would never sell islands," Pamboukis said – adding that Greece would always safeguard its territorial integrity.

China-Greece ties

Pamboukis said that his visit to China had two objectives. One is to present business proposals to Chinese companies, and the other is to pave the way for the Greek Prime Minister's visit to China in months.

Three Chinese companies are involved in major business operations in Greece – China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO), Huawei Technologies Co and ZTE Corporation, Pamboukis said, expressing the hope that more Chinese companies will invest in Greece.

Greece will strive to be efficient, friendly and open, in order to build confidence among foreign investors, Pamboukis added.

Pamboukis also expressed his government's determination to fight bureaucracy and said a new ‘fast track' law is intended to speed up and facilitate strategic investments. Chinese businesses are welcome to participate in such investments, he added.

Greece is one of the European countries most open and friendly to China, Pamboukis said. "The crisis will pass but the friendly relationship between these two countries will last," he added.