Georgian Economy Minister anticipates “deepening” of ties with Kazakhstan during PM’s visit

Levan Davitashvili, the Vice Prime Minister and Economy Minister of Georgia, on Wednesday underscored the significance of Kazakhstan as an “important” trade and economic partner, expressing hope ties between the two countries would be “further deepened” during the ongoing visit of the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to Astana.

Highlighting the trade dynamics, Davitashvili noted the turnover between the two nations had reached $922 million in 2024, reflecting an increasing volume of exports and re-exports from Georgia to Kazakhstan.

Furthermore, the Minister said Kazakhstan was “one of the important sources” of foreign direct investments for Georgia, with a noted increase in 2024.

We expect further boosts in these investments in the coming years, particularly in 2026. Several major investment projects are already being explored, particularly within the energy sector”, he said.

In transportation, Davitashvili mentioned a growing cooperation between the two nations, especially in railway transportation.

The year 2024 was also significant in this regard, as it marked the departure of the first multimodal trains from China through Kazakhstan to Georgia. In recent years, the importance of the Middle Corridor has continued to grow. As a result, we are entering a new phase of cooperation. We have established a joint venture involving the railways of Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, which will streamline freight transportation”, he said.

Tourism was cited as another area of mutual benefit by the official, who noted Kazakhstan ranked as the sixth most important tourist partner for Georgia.

About 200,000 tourists have visited Georgia from Kazakhstan, and I am optimistic this trend will continue”, said Davitashvili.

As part of the PM’s visit to Kazakhstan, the sides are also expected to sign a renewed agreement on the protection of intellectual property.

Since 1997, we have not updated the formal cooperation format in this area, which is very important considering the dynamic reality of the modern world”, the Minister said.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Kazakhstan started earlier today, with Kobakhidze scheduled to meet his counterpart Oljas Bektenov.

In addition to Davitashvili, the visiting Georgian delegation also includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Botchorishvili, Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Irakli Karseladze, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture David Songhulashvili, Minister of Education Aleksandre Tsuladze, Minister of Sports Shalva Gogoladze, and Head of the Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani.