Georgian PM: “Today Georgia-China relations are stronger than ever”
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A major celebration marking the Georgia-China Friendship Day and 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries has taken place in the centre of Tbilisi today.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili attended the festival at the Rike Park where goods produced by Georgian-Chinese companies were exhibited.
Georgia-China friendship being celebrated in Tbilisi, June 9, 2017. Photo: PM's press office.
"Traditionally, Georgia and China have a friendly relationship based on the principles of equality, respect and cooperation. Today, the Georgia-China partnership is stronger than ever”, Kvirikashvili said.
He added that China is one of the largest trade partners and investors in Georgia.
Kvirikashvili stressed the importance of the recent Georgia-China Free Trade Agreement and noted that Georgia is the first country in the region to have such a deal with China.
"I particularly welcome the fact that large Chinese companies have started activities in Georgia and their number is increasing. Some of them have already been very successful on the Georgian market”, he said.
He also discussed Georgia’s role in the One Belt - One Road initiative as "the bridge connecting Europe and Asia”.
Georgia-China friendship being celebrated in Tbilisi, June 9, 2017. Photo: PM's press office.
Kvirikashvili also said that intense cooperation is underway to expand tourism between the two countries as well.
Georgian wine, mineral waters and agricultural products will soon be exported to China and its market of 1.4 billion consumers, with zero tariffs, without additional customs fees and without any transition period.
Georgia and China are strengthening cooperation within the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative – a vast development strategy starting in China and spanning across Eurasia.
Georgia is taking a major step forward to develop its railway infrastructure, forge closer ties with China and boost its economy by building a new factory that will manufacture modern electric locomotives.
Georgia is offering Chinese investors big opportunities to explore the country’s free and open economy.
The Government of China has gifted a new combined mobile container/transport inspection system to Georgia.
Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi has hosted a Georgia-China Business Forum today where around 80 Chinese businessmen were represented.
A joint representation of a state-owned shareholding company Partnership Fund (PF) and a Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has been opened in the Chinese city of Guangzhou.
Georgia is participating at one of the largest investment and commercial exhibitions in China as a special guest.
State-owned Chinese export and credit insurance company Sinosure is ready to expand its relationship with Georgia and support Chinese investments in Georgia, the company said while meeting with the Georgian Partnership Fund yesterday.