Deputy economy ministers highlight Chinese fair as “best platform” for Georgian companies

Georgia’s deputy economy ministers Genadi Arveladze and Irakli Nadareishvili on Thursday highlighted the International Import Expo, an import industry fair looking to facilitate strengthening of economic cooperation and trade between participating states, as the “best platform” for Georgian companies to present products to Chinese consumers and importers.

Arveladze said participation in the fair opened up “new export opportunities” for Georgian companies as the event promoted their products, established new contacts and increased the volume of the country’s exports.

Georgia’s Deputy Economy Minister Genadi Arveladze, Photo via Economy Ministry

He added the Georgian representation had a “successful participation” in the fair in its previous editions, when Georgian manufacturers signed long-term contracts worth up to $20 million, and noted “new successes and new export opportunities” were expected at this year's exhibition.

Nadareishvili said the Ministry and Enterprise Georgia, the state agency promoting entrepreneurship, investment and exports, promoted the country’s exporters at the event, which featured about 40 domestic companies showcasing their goods in two large-scale pavilions - for food and beverage sector and textile industry.

Georgia’s Deputy Economy Minister Irakli Nadareishvili, Photo via Economy Ministry

He noted Ling Ji, the Chinese Vice Minister and Deputy International Trade Representative, had inspected the Georgian pavilion, emphasising the importance of developing and strengthening trade and economic relations between the two countries.

Organised by Enterprise Georgia, the participation of the Georgian companies includes producers of Georgian wines, non-alcoholic beverages, agriculture products, leather goods, accessories and children's clothes.

Arveladze and Nadareishvili are joined by Enterprise Georgia Director Mikheil Khidureli, Georgia’s Ambassador to China Archil Kalandia and Parliamentary representatives Gela Samkharadze and Zaal Dugladze for the country's representation. 

Governments and business delegations from over 160 countries are participating in the fair set to run until Friday at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai.