Georgia takes strong step toward Silk Road project

A delegation from the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce (SRCIC) is visiting Georgia’s capital to promote the development of trade, economic and cultural relations in the Silk Road region.

Yesterday in Tbilisi the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the SRCIC delegation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to allow the Georgian organisation to become a member of the SRCIC.

The deal means Georgia’s business society was now able to develop partnerships with other international commercial networks involve in the SRCIC. Furthermore head of GCCI Nino Chikovani was now vice president of SRCIC.

The SRCIC was established in 2015 in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and includes large companies from 36 countries.

Tbilisi hosted the foreign delegation, led by SRCIC chairperson Lu Jianzhong, from Arpil 3-6.

Focusing on the strategy of ‘one belt and one road’, the SRCIC is promoting the establishment of a positive, open, efficient and convenient economic channel to create an opportunity and platform of common prosperity and regional economic cooperation among countries along the Silk Road,” said Chikovani.

SRCIC started this process from Georgia and this fact once again underlines the importance of our country’s historical role as a gateway between Europe and Asia,” she added.

While in Tbilisi Jianzhong met top Georgian officials from the Government as well as members of the local business community in his efforts to deepen ties between Silk Road nations.

While meeting Jianzhong, Georgia’s Economy Minister Dimitry Kimsishvili accented the importance of developing the Silk Road. He said Georgia’s goal was to transport part of the China-Europe cargo via the Georgian corridor.

Development of the Silk Road is essential for Georgia. Numerous important infrastructures are being developed in our country and through this we are further strengthening our roe within the Silk Road,” said Kumsishvili.

As of today annual cargo turnover between China and Europe totals 500 million tonnes. Part of this cargo turnover should be transported through Georgia. The so-called central road, which runs through Georgia, is the shortest route linking China and Europe,” he said.

We have the goal to utilise this and transport important amounts of cargo via Georgia. It will bring our country wellness, additional jobs, knowledge and infrastructure” Kumsishvili added.

In Tbilisi Jianzhong also met Georgia’s Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia said Jianzhong confirmed his full support for the Government of Georgia as it worked towards integrating into the New Silk Road project.

Meanwhile the importance of Georgia’s geographical strategic location was emphasised at the meeting between Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Jianzhong.

It was noted the Silk Road will enable Georgia to develop its economy, establish new links and showcase its investment and touristic potential even better to the wider world. Both sides expressed hope that via the New Silk Road project, Georgia will reclaim its function of being a nexus between Europe and Asia.

The foreign delegation raised several ideas for new projects in Georgia, such as creating the Electronic Silk Road and Silk Road International Cooperation Development Fund.

The foreign guests are due to leave Georgia tomorrow. The visit of SRCIC representatives was organised by the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.