Economy Minister denounces “anti-Chinese” campaign by “domestic political forces”

Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Tuesday claimed an “anti-Chinese campaign” being organised by “some domestic political forces” as an “attempt to establish Sinophobia in the public”. 

In his comments that follow the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two states on the sidelines of the Summer World University Games in Chengdu in July, Davitashvili said the development was not benefitting economic relations between the two countries. 

I spoke a lot about China during my speech in the Parliament [last week], when we were talking about the development of the Anaklia port [project on Georgia’s Black Sea coast]. Unfortunately, once again we saw a politically engaged process, which is more of an attempt to mislead the public by spreading groundless, in many cases, incompetent information, to establish a certain [degree of] Sinophobia in the public”, Davitashvili said.

“Unfortunately, an anti-Chinese campaign is organised by [domestic] political forces, which is very bad. This does not contribute to economic relations, the main goal of which is the economic strengthening of Georgia”, the Government official continued. 

Davitashvili stressed China was the second-largest economy in the world, and further pointed out “the most leading economies cooperate with China and see economic success in cooperation with China”. 

There are also very interesting opportunities for Georgia to be more active with China. We have a history and practice of good and successful economic cooperation with China. [W]e have a free trade agreement with China. It is about the country getting more economic benefits at a new level by the development of economic relations”, the Minister continued. 

Davitashvili added that when the European Union “cautiously, but successfully” was pursuing economic projects with China, “we must also responsibly and prudently maximise our economic opportunities”.

“We should not follow a baseless, politically aimed process that harms the country's interests, which in many cases is based on incompetence, as well as goals to harm the country. We will continue to pursue a consistent policy, including with China and all other trading partners”, Davitashvili concluded.