The Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and China has played a pivotal role in fostering greater trade between our nations. It was announced by the Prime Minister of Georgia while delivering a keynote speech at the Official Reception Marking 74TH Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

“I am pleased to highlight our already well-established and fruitful cooperation, evident across various fields of mutual interest – from infrastructure and trade to education and tourism.

Importantly, Georgia historically has been positioned as a natural bridge between Europe and Asia and an integral part of the ancient Silk Road. Today, our strategic location enables us to contribute to the revival of the Silk Road under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through the Middle Corridor.

Consequently, we are making substantial investments in infrastructure to ensure sufficient capacity for the years ahead. Another vivid demonstration of our commitment is the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, which serves as an international platform for high-level dialogue on a multilateral scale. With this in mind, I am pleased to note that our dedication to the BRI was reaffirmed by the signing of a Bilateral Cooperation Plan between the Georgian Government and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

As we examine the depths of our cooperation, it is important to note that trade has been one of the cornerstones of bilateral relations. Notably, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Georgia and China, which came into force in January 2018, has played a pivotal role in fostering greater trade between our nations, reaching nearly 2 billion USD annually since its implementation. As a result, China has consistently ranked among Georgia’s top 3 trading partners.

Furthermore, our cooperation at the governmental level is booming, with various ministries, agencies, and regions actively engaged in collaborative efforts. This multifaceted cooperation undoubtedly demonstrates our dedication to achieving common goals”, - said Irakli Garibashvili.