Georgian Economy Minister: updated free trade agreement with China to deepen economic ties

Mariam Kvrivishvili, the minister of economy and sustainable development of Georgia, on Saturday said that the updated free trade agreement signed with China would further strengthen and deepen trade and economic relations between the two countries.

Kvrivishvili noted that the official visit to China has concluded with successful results that are expected to positively impact the further development of economic ties between Georgia and China.

A key outcome was an agreement reached with China’s National Development and Reform Commission to establish a Georgia-China dialogue mechanism aimed at attracting investment and increasing Chinese involvement in major projects.

“The visit to China concluded with successful results, which will positively impact the further development of economic ties between Georgia and China”, she said.

The minister emphasised that alongside China’s minister of commerce Wang Wentao, she signed the updated version of the free trade agreement, which will further strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries.

“Together with the minister of commerce, I signed the updated version of the free trade agreement, which will further strengthen and deepen trade and economic relations between our two countries. In addition, we made a very important decision to create an intergovernmental format that will support the attraction of major investments, as well as the involvement of Chinese companies in strategic projects”, she noted.

Kvrivishvili also highlighted a strategic development in aviation, noting that following talks with China Eastern Airlines, direct flights between Shanghai and Tbilisi would begin on July 15.

According to the minister, this route is particularly important for boosting tourism, strengthening economic ties, and attracting higher-spending visitors from the Chinese market.

“This decision will strengthen people-to-people ties, economic connections, and provide momentum for the development, diversification, and increased revenue generation of our country’s tourism industry”, Kvrivishvili stressed.

In addition, meetings were held with major Chinese companies in the energy and automotive sectors, focusing on investment opportunities in Georgia.

Kvrivishvili further noted that these discussions were expected to support the development of local production, attract further investment, and strengthen the country’s energy sector.