Georgian, Azerbaijani economy ministers discuss trade, economic ties

Bilateral trade and economic ties between Georgia and Azerbaijan were discussed on Friday in a meeting between Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili and his Azerbaijani counterpart Mikayil Jabbarov.

The Georgian Ministry of Economy said the meeting highlighted “effective implementation” of international and regional energy and transport projects from both countries, and stressed the development of economic ties as an "important aspect" of advancing the cooperation.

The officials also emphasised the development of bilateral trade and noted Azerbaijan, which holds the second spot among the top exporting countries for Georgia, had been one of the country's top five trading partners in recent years.

The Georgian side stressed its interest in expanding export of goods to Azerbaijan, including agricultural products, food, nitrogen fertilisers, cement and more. It also provided information about an online platform intended for Georgian entrepreneurs to help business owners reach out to potential foreign partners, and expressed hope Azerbaijan's business circles would be able to further strengthen bilateral trade ties through it.

The discussion also covered investment cooperation, with Georgian officials noting the Government was “eager” to provide Azerbaijani investors with opportunities in tourism, energy, agriculture, logistics, information technology and other areas.

The meeting also covered discussions on development of the Middle Corridor - a transportation route network connecting China with Europe through the South Caucasus region, and the topic of attracting new transit cargo.

The officials also noted the progress of the project for the deep sea port in Georgia’s Black Sea town of Anaklia for a “new and faster” maritime corridor between China and Europe, aimed to help restore the historic Silk Road. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway route, passing through Georgia and representing a logistical part of the corridor that connects Europe and Asia, was also noted.

The parties also highlighted the development of the Black Sea submarine electricity cable project intended to connect the grids of the South Caucasus and European Union member states and allow the export of green energy to Europe.

The Georgian official also mentioned the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, set to run between October 26-27 in capital Tbilisi, and discussions planned on the factors “defining regional and global trade and connectivity” at the event.

Davitashvili said he hoped the Azerbaijani delegation, led by Prime Minister Ali Asadov, would be represented in the Forum.