Georgian Economy Minister discusses investment and transport cooperation at China’s National Development and Reform Commission

Mariam Kvrivishvili, the minister of economy and sustainable development of Georgia, on Friday held a meeting in Beijing with Zhou Haibing, the deputy chair of the national development and reform commission, to discuss cooperation in investment and transport sectors between the two countries.

The meeting noted that Georgia and China maintain a strong and mutually beneficial partnership in the transport sector, characterised by close cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats.

The parties agreed to establish a Georgia-China dialogue mechanism aimed at attracting investments, which will facilitate increased Chinese investment. The intergovernmental format between the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and China’s NDRC will place particular emphasis on investments in transport and logistics.

Special attention was given to the importance of the Middle Corridor and Georgia’s role as a key link connecting China and Europe in terms of cargo flows.

It was highlighted that the Anaklia Port will have strategic significance for both countries, as well as for partner states along the corridor.

The sides further discussed plans to modernise railway infrastructure and increase capacity, as well as broader transport infrastructure development over the next four years. These efforts aim to double cargo throughput and reduce transit time.

The parties agreed to actively cooperate in attracting investments in energy resources and the business sector as well.

The meeting also reviewed existing mechanisms under the Belt and Road Initiative framework, noting that implementation of activities outlined in the roadmap will move into an active phase. The sides agreed to further intensify cooperation within the joint enterprise Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd., which focuses on rail freight transport from China to Europe and attracting additional cargo.

Kvrivishvili and Zhou positively assessed the efforts of both governmental and private sectors to deepen strategic cooperation, emphasising that intergovernmental dialogue will be a key mechanism for boosting large-scale Chinese investments, discussing new initiatives, and strengthening trade and economic ties.