The Minister of Economy took part in the meeting of the Joint Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation between Georgia and China.

Economic cooperation and prospects of deepening partnership between 2 countries were discussed at the meeting with Ling Ji, the Chinese Vice Minister and Deputy International Trade Representative.

The parties discussed topics including trade and economic ties, prospects of deepening free trade relations, investment, agriculture, transport, logistics and infrastructure, as well as information technology, innovation and tourism.

Davitashvili briefed the Chinese side on the current state of the Georgian economy, including its dynamics, statistics and ongoing reforms in a number of sectors. He said his Government had managed to “maintain economic stability” “on the backdrop of the current geopolitical situation in the region”, and noted a “significant increase” in direct foreign investments - amounting to USD 2.1 billion - in 2022.

“The volume of direct foreign investments increased by 10.9% in the first half of 2023, reaching USD 1,072.1 million and equalling 7.8% of the gross domestic product, adding the average rate of economic growth in Georgia was 7.0% between January-August”, - said Levan Davitashvili.

As he added, the decision of the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili last month to establish visa-free travel for Chinese citizens to the country, together with the resumption of direct flights, would “further contribute” to the deepening of the Georgia-China partnership.