Georgian PM to Kazakh counterpart: Gov’t interested in attracting investments from Kazakhstan

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday emphasised his Government’s interest in welcoming Kazakh investors, and highlighted a potential for growth in both states’ markets during his meeting with his counterpart Oljas Bektenov in Almaty.

[Georgia offers] an excellent investment climate, characterised by low taxes and access to major international markets. The country is eager to enhance cooperation in attracting investments and welcomes Kazakh investors. It is encouraging to see Kazakh businesses thriving in Georgia”, Kobakhidze told Bektenov.

The Prime Minister emphasised “positive” trends in bilateral trade turnover and encouraged further investments in the agricultural food sector.

The Kazakh market is attractive for Georgian exporters. We are committed to facilitating the export of Georgian agri-food products to Kazakhstan and promoting investments in the sector”, he said.

Kobakhidze noted Kazakhstan was a “rapidly growing” and “strategic” tourism market for Georgia, expressing readiness to continue bilateral cooperation in the field.

In addition to economic ties, the two leaders discussed transportation and energy cooperation. Kobakhidze welcomed prospects for increasing transit of Kazakh energy resources, particularly oil and oil products, through Georgia’s infrastructure and Black Sea ports.

He referenced the ongoing implementation of the Middle Corridor project - a logistics route connecting Central Asia and China to Europe via the South Caucasus through Georgia - was being facilitated through “close” collaboration among the railways of Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan.

Kobakhidze pointed out the Corridor was “crucial” for rail container transportation from China to Europe, emphasising the need for intensified efforts to attract additional cargo.

It is essential to enhance efforts to promote the development of the Corridor and attract more cargo. Georgia has the potential to serve as a link between Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia, as well as between Central Asia and East Asia. By improving international connectivity routes, we can position ourselves as a digital hub bridging Europe and Asia”, he said.

The Prime Minister added the countries had “traditionally” enjoyed “strong”, “friendly” and partnerly relations. He also expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

The Georgian Prime Minister’s two-day visit to Kazakhstan started earlier today.