PM to Baku forum: Georgia only South Caucasus state enjoying free trade with both EU, China
In his remarks at the ongoing event, Garibashvili noted his Government was “actively” pursuing integration into the EU. Photo: Government Administration
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday told the Economic Forum of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia in Baku his country was the only state in the South Caucasus region that had free trade agreements with both China and the European Union.
In his remarks at the ongoing event, Garibashvili noted his Government was “actively” pursuing integration into the EU.
Over the last 10 years, we have signed the Association Agreement, Free Trade Agreement with [the EU] [in 2014], visa-free travel with the [bloc], [then] last year we received the European perspective and in December we expect the [EU] candidate status”, Garibashvili told the audience.
The Georgian official stressed his state was a “reliable and stable” partner as a country with growing economic potential.
To date, we have signed free trade agreements with the European Union, we have free trade with China, CIS countries, Great Britain, with the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. Overall, free trade agreements in Georgia give investors access to a market of 2.3 billion consumers”, he continued.
Garibashvili added his Government was interested in “further strengthening” partnership and cooperation with Azerbaijan and Central Asian states by saying the ties would “bring more prosperity and stability” to partners.