The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mariam Kvrivishvili, says her visit to the People’s Republic of China ended with “successful results” expected to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Kvrivishvili states that high-level meetings were held with representatives of both the Chinese state and private sectors. She highlights discussions at China’s National Development and Reform Commission, where the sides agreed to establish a dialogue mechanism aimed at attracting Chinese investment to Georgia.
“Together with the Minister of Commerce, I signed an updated version of the Free Trade Agreement, which will further strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries,” Kvrivishvili says. “We also decided to create an intergovernmental format to support major investments and encourage the involvement of Chinese companies in strategic projects.”
The minister also points to a meeting with executives of China Eastern Airlines, noting that direct flights from Shanghai to Tbilisi are set to launch on July 15.
Kvrivishvili says the Chinese market is “strategic” for Georgia, adding that direct air connections are expected to increase tourist flows and attract higher-spending visitors.
“This decision will strengthen people-to-people relations, economic ties, and support the development and diversification of Georgia’s tourism industry,” she says.
The ministry reports that meetings were also held with major Chinese companies in the energy and automotive sectors. Kvrivishvili states that discussions focused on Georgia’s investment potential, with the aim of attracting further investment, developing local production, and strengthening the country’s energy sector.
