Georgian Economy Minister: trade, transport cooperation with China deepens under strategic partnership

Mariam Kvrivishvili, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, on Tuesday said that trade and economic cooperation between Georgia and China was continuing to expand each year, particularly in the transport and trade sectors, within the framework of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Kvrivishvili met Li Yang, China's Vice Minister of Transport, on the sidelines of the ongoing Assembly of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London.

Both sides emphasised that relations between Georgia and China were developing dynamically under a strategic partnership, with the Middle Corridor remaining a central element of cooperation.

“Within the framework of the strategic partnership with China, trade-economic cooperation deepens every year, especially in the fields of trade and transport. Cargo turnover through the Middle Corridor is growing at an increasingly fast pace - the volume of freight transported between China and Europe via Georgia is increasing”, Kvrivishvili said.

She underscored the results of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to China earlier this month, noting that an agreement was reached to begin direct flights between the capitals, while the possibility of launching a Tbilisi–Shanghai route is also being considered.

“As a result of the Prime Minister of Georgia’s recent visit to China earlier this month, the decision was made to launch direct flights between the capitals. The possibility of launching direct flights between Tbilisi and Shanghai is also under consideration. This will significantly contribute to deepening trade-economic relations between the countries, as well as people-to-people contacts and cooperation in the tourism sector”, she noted.

“We also welcome deeper cooperation in the maritime sector and the sharing of China’s experience in areas that are fully in line with our national priorities”, Kvrivishvili said.

The Minister concluded by noting that China remained one of Georgia’s largest trading partners and that Chinese investment continued to grow.