Chinese Ambassador says direct Shanghai-Tbilisi air route to boost travel, cargo links

Zhou Qian, the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, said on Saturday that the upcoming direct Shanghai-Tbilisi air route would significantly enhance connectivity between China and Georgia, supporting both passenger travel and cargo transport.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Zhou described direct air routes as “air bridges” that reduce the impact of geographical distance and provide strong infrastructural support for cooperation in various fields.

“Direct flights serve as air bridges, transforming geographical distance into time efficiency and providing infrastructural support for cooperation across various fields. We are pleased that direct Shanghai-Tbilisi flights will soon be launched. This route will not only provide passenger services but will also actively develop cargo services”, he said.

The Ambassador noted that Shanghai is China's leading economic and financial centre, as well as its exhibition capital, hosting major international events such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), in which Georgia participates.

“Shanghai is located in China’s densely populated and economically developed eastern region. It consistently ranks first among Chinese cities in terms of GDP and serves as an international financial and trade centre. Shanghai is also China’s exhibition capital, hosting many high-level international exhibitions every year that cover numerous key industrial sectors. Among these exhibitions is the China International Import Expo (CIIE), in which Georgia actively participates”, Zhou noted.

He emphasised that the direct flights would encourage more Chinese tourists to visit Georgia and facilitate business travel from China’s most developed regions.

“With the launch of direct flights between Shanghai and Tbilisi, more Chinese tourists will visit Georgia, while more businesspeople from China’s most developed regions, such as the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, will come to Georgia to explore the market and discuss potential cooperation. To improve the comfort of Chinese travellers in Georgia, it is recommended that relevant Georgian authorities study practices in other countries and increase Chinese-language signage and audio announcements at airports”, he stressed.

Zhou also welcomed Georgia’s plans to expand Tbilisi International Airport and build a new large facility, expressing China’s readiness to participate in aviation infrastructure projects.

“In addition, we are aware that the government of Georgia plans to expand the existing Tbilisi International Airport and also build a new large international airport. We hope these plans will be implemented soon, which will lay a stronger foundation for improving Georgia’s aviation infrastructure and developing it into a regional aviation hub. China is ready to actively participate in cooperation in infrastructure development”, Zhou concluded.