Georgia is increasingly taking on role of strategic connector between Europe and Asia, says Georgian Prime Minister at China Import Expo opening ceremony

Georgia is increasingly taking on the role of a strategic connector between Europe and Asia; our cooperation with China yields tangible results in trade, infrastructure, and investment, creating new opportunities and strengthening our economic resilience, said on Wednesday Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during his address at the opening ceremony of the China International Import Expo.

The head of Government underscored the importance of the China International Import Expo for boosting trade, promoting partnerships, and popularizing innovative solutions, noting that it contributes to building a more open and sustainable global economy.

Kobakhidze reviewed the long-standing relationship and strategic partnership between China and Georgia, which is based on mutual respect and trust, and also highlighted cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

“China has become one of Georgia's major trading partners. The entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement in January 2018, which covers almost 95% of Georgian exports, was a game-changer, significantly increasing the volume of trade. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, trade turnover reached $1.6 billion, an impressive 15% growth. This increase in trade reflects the strength of our bilateral economic ties and indicates an even greater potential for expansion in the years to come. China's continuous efforts to open up its vast market, coupled with expanded access to key sectors, create significant opportunities for Georgian businesses, allowing them to enter global markets and embrace innovation. The number of containers shipped between China and Georgia through the Middle Corridor increased by 71% in January-August 2025. Furthermore, the volume of cargo transported last year was 15 times greater than in the previous year. Georgia once again confirms its readiness to continue cooperation towards increasing transport flows between China and Europe via the Middle Corridor”, the PM said.

The Prime Minister noted that Georgia continues to promote its tourism potential in the Chinese market and discussed the growing trend of tourist flows from China.

“In the first three quarters of 2025, visits increased by 45% compared to the same period last year. Based on these figures, Georgia aims to further increase awareness of its diverse tourism offerings and attract even more Chinese travelers in the coming years. Georgia welcomes the recent positive trend in Chinese investments, which has shown significant growth in 2025. However, there remains substantial potential for deeper cooperation, particularly in key sectors such as energy, transport and logistics, and hospitality, where the participation of Chinese enterprises is encouraged. The progress achieved in various sectors of China-Georgia relations is fully in line with Georgia’s broader economic momentum, reinforcing the positive trajectory the country has maintained in recent years”, he continued.

During his speech, Kobakhidze also focused on the country's macroeconomic stability, economic growth indicators, and large-scale infrastructure projects.

“On the backdrop of global uncertainty and geopolitical tension, Georgia continues to serve as a stable and reliable anchor in the region. Guided by a clear vision for sustainable progress, the country has maintained macroeconomic stability, achieved impressive growth, and demonstrated resilience. According to the International Monetary Fund, from 2021 to 2024, Georgia recorded one of the highest growth rates in the world, averaging 9.7% annually, with a forecast of 7.2% for 2025; medium-term growth is projected to average 5.1% over the next five years. Coupled with these strong economic fundamentals, Georgia's ambitious infrastructure projects, including the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, the East-West Highway, the Black Sea Submarine Cable, the Tbilisi International Airport project, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, position the country as a major trade and transport route between China and Europe, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting growing economic cooperation. Georgia remains firmly committed to the partnership with China. We want to further strengthen the business-friendly environment, attract more investment, and deepen cooperation across various sectors”, Kobakhidze concluded.