Page 31 - Demo

Contributing to society: Beneficence (%u03b5%u1f50%u03c0%u03bf%u03b9%u03af%u03b1)as a core human moral dutyGreek shipping is not merely one of the strongest pillars of the national economy; it is also a living bearer of values, tradition, continuity and accumulated experience across generations. In the person of Evangelos El. Angelakos, this enduring maritime journey finds one of its authentic contemporary expressions.Drawing on decades of experience in international shipping and close professional engagement with the shipbuilding industries of Japan and China, Angelakos reflects on the evolution of the global maritime landscape, the distinctive characteristics of Asian business cultures, and the strategic lessons Greece might draw from them.At the same time, he speaks with unusual frankness about the importance of history and tradition as guiding principles in both business and public life. He underscores the moral obligation of every citizen to contribute meaningfully to society, while emphasising the importance of civic duty, public responsibility, meritocracy and personal example. He also points to what he sees as the Greek state%u2019s long-standing failure to recognise and strategically leverage the global stature and influence of Greek shipping for the broader national interest.You have been active for many years in the shipbuilding markets of Japan and China and have witnessed their remarkable development first-hand. How would you describe the journey of these nations toward shipbuilding excellence, and what, in your view, distinguishes their business cultures?Japan has a long and distinguished shipbuilding tradition. Following the devastation of the Second World War, however, the country%u2019s industrial base was virtually destroyed. Yet by the early 1950s, Japanese shipyards had already begun their recovery, assisted in part by orders placed by Greek shipowners. The same was true of Germany, whose shipyards also benefited from Greek confidence during the difficult post-war years. Later, during the 1960s, South Korea%u2019s shipyards likewise attracted the interest of Greek shipping companies.China, by contrast, was at that time significantly behind in both technology and industrial capability. The turning point came after President Richard Nixon%u2019s historic visit to China in 1972 and, more decisively, with Deng Xiaoping%u2019s %u201copening-up%u201d reforms beginning in 1978. From that point onward, China embarked upon a transformation of historic proportions.What is particularly noteworthy is that, despite internal political differences, the Chinese leadership ultimately united behind a common national objective. That unity of purpose produced what can only be described as a modern miracle. I mention this because it inevitably invites comparison with Greece. In our country, we do not agree on long-term national priorities. We do not share a collective vision regarding Credit: Valantis Kordatsakiswhere Greece should stand globally An interview with Evangelos El. Angelakos, Honorary Chairman of Angelakos (Hellas) S.A.,Honorary Commodore of the Hellenic Navyand Honorary Dean of Shipping and Naval Engineering at Chongqing Jiaotong University, conducted by Spilios VarelasMay 2026 31