Economy Minister: intergovernmental meeting in China discussed removing visa requirements for Georgian citizens
In his remarks over the matter, Davitashvili noted the “dynamics and potential” of economic cooperation with China was “very great”. Photo: Ministry of Economy
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Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Monday said a session of the intergovernmental trade and economic commission between China and Georgia had discussed topics including removal of visa requirements for Georgian citizens.
In his remarks over the matter, Davitashvili noted the “dynamics and potential” of economic cooperation with China was “very great”.
In China, for the first time after eight years, the meeting of the intergovernmental trade and economic commission was held, led by the Chinese Ministry of Trade and represented by the Ministry of Economy from the Georgian part. We covered all areas of cooperation within the commission”, Davitashvili said.
The Georgian official noted the meeting had reviewed development of investment opportunities and cooperation in the tourism sector.
The decision taken by the [Georgian] Government to cancel visa requirements [for Chinese citizens] is very positive and has already been reflected in the results. The flow [of Chinese citizens to the country] has increased significantly”, Davitashvili continued.
The Georgian Minister added the meeting also reviewed removing visa requirements for Georgian nationals as a mirroring move, adding he hoped the step would “further strengthen” trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in September announced introduction of visa-free travel for Chinese citizens, citing attracting visitors and mutual economic investments among “main interests” behind the decision.
Nikoloz Samkharadze, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Georgian Parliament, on Friday said the more strategic cooperation agreements the country signed with various governments, the better it was positioning itself to protect its "national interests".
Priority areas of economic cooperation were discussed on Monday in a meeting between Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili and Wang Wentao, the Chinese Minister of Commerce, the Georgian Ministry of Economy said.
Economic cooperation and prospects of deepening partnership between Georgia and China were discussed on Friday in a meeting between the Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili and Ling Ji, the Chinese Vice Minister and Deputy International Trade Representative.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday announced visa-free travel to the country for Chinese citizens, citing attracting visitors and mutual economic investments among “main interests” behind the decision.
Nikoloz Samkharadze, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday said China’s position as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council on Georgia’s territorial integrity was “important and decisive”.