Chinese businessmen's bleak times in Greece

His publishing business has also been affected since the government increased the newspaper postage rate by one euro last year.

This means that although the Euro Weekly's circulation has fallen, its costs have risen dramatically, he said.

Wu also said the austerity has lead to a rise in crimes such as theft and robbery. "Chinese people have usually become their targets," said Wu, adding that Chinese people in Athens are even afraid of walking alone on the streets.

Amid such difficulties, uncertainties and even danger, many Chinese have decided to leave.

He said that one-fifth of Athens' 20,000 Chinese businessmen and their employees have already returned to China.

Around his Chinatown building, the number of Chinese shops has reduced from 300 to around 200 recently. Even in his building, more than a quarter of the businesses have closed since last year.

Wu recalled that Chinese business experienced a "golden decade" in Athens from 1998 to 2008.

And after it joined the eurozone in 2002, Greece attracted a large number of Chinese to start businesses there.

In 2001, Wu decided to move to Europe because some of his relatives have already become quite successful in Spain, France, Italy and Austria.

"I chose to settle down in Athens because at that time, not so many Chinese were here," he said, admitting that he made easy money before 2008.

Although the economic crisis has dented his confidence and passion, Wu does not plan to leave Greece.

Should the country leave the eurozone, he doesn't think it will have too much of an effect on Chinese businessmen in Greece.

"Many Chinese businessmen don't have too many euros in their accounts in Greece," Wu said.

Tan Xuan contributed to this story.

fujing@chinadaily.com.cn