Georgian PM highlights practical outcomes of Georgia-China strategic partnership, from visa-free travel to trade ties

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday hailed the strategic partnership with China as a game-changer, pointing to mutual visa-free travel, surging wine exports, and a 40 percent jump in bilateral trade as proof that “practical results are already here”.

In an interview with China’s CCTV program Leaders Talk, Kobakhidze showcased Georgia as the 8,000-year cradle of wine, noting that China has overtaken Russia as the fastest-growing market for Georgian bottles.

“We are trying to show visitors the best side of our country. Of course, Georgia is known for various types of products, among which wine is one of the main ones. We also export our products to different countries, and we are glad that wine exports to China are increasing. Georgia is the cradle of wine - wine was first produced here 8,000 years ago. So, we proudly present this aspect of Georgia to our visitors”, he said.

The Prime Minister credited the Free Trade Agreement and the visa-free travel for driving double-digit export growth.

“We are proud of our country, our beautiful landscapes, and nature. We are pleased that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Georgia is increasing. I believe Georgia will become an even more interesting destination for Chinese tourists in the future. We think that more direct flights will further strengthen people-to-people relations between our two countries, and this is one of our main priorities”, he noted.

“This is a very important forum, and statistics show that indicators across various fields, including import and export, are steadily increasing. Of course, the Free Trade Agreement signed in 2018 has greatly contributed to trade relations between China and Georgia. At the same time, this kind of forum plays a significant role in enhancing our partnership and economic ties. We want to continue taking advantage of these opportunities in the future”, Kobakhidze continued.

The PM framed the partnership as a pillar of Georgia’s “multi-vector” foreign policy - deepening ties with Beijing while keeping EU aspirations alive, but on Tbilisi’s terms.

“We are connected with China through a strategic partnership agreement that already has practical results - including a mutual visa-free travel and trade-economic cooperation - and this is extremely important for Georgia”, he concluded.