Greek Union of Shipowners (EEE) President Theodoros Veniamis (left) and other board members are seen on their way to the prime minister’s office yesterday, for a meeting with Costas Karamanlis, attended also by Merchant Marine Minister Anastassis Papaligouras. Discussion focused on the issue of Greek shipping’s competitiveness, the problem of piracy off the coast of Somalia and its consequences on international trade as well as efforts to attract young people to maritime professions. Veniamis reportedly suggested that Greek shipping is showing resilience to the crisis, which is ‘coming from abroad.’ The meeting also confirmed the significant contribution of the industry to the economy, amounting to 8 percent of Greece’s GDP in 2008.