Georgia and China update free trade agreement - course for expanding opportunities

Tbilisi and Beijing are moving to a new stage of economic cooperation. The countries have begun the procedure of reviewing and updating the current free trade agreement. The Free Trade Agreement has been in force since 2018, and the parties plan to deepen it. According to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the negotiations cover a wide range of issues aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and adapting the agreement to modern challenges. It is expected that the updated document will include provisions on e-commerce, eliminating technical barriers, simplifying access of Georgian products of animal origin to the Chinese market, as well as creating favorable conditions for increasing Chinese investment in Georgia.
The discussion of the innovations took place in Beijing as part of a meeting of the Georgian-Chinese commission on the free trade agreement. The delegation from Georgia was headed by Deputy Minister of Economy Genadi Arveladze, the Chinese side was headed by Deputy Minister of Commerce Yan Tong.
According to Arveladze, the current agreement signed in 2018 has already proven its effectiveness, becoming an important tool for enhancing trade ties and expanding business opportunities. In 2024, the volume of trade between the two countries reached $ 1.9 billion, which is 17% more than the previous year. China has consistently maintained its position as one of Georgia's largest foreign economic partners, ranking 4th in terms of trade volume and accounting for more than 8% of the country's total foreign trade turnover.
During the talks, the Georgian delegation expressed gratitude to China for its fundamental support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. This gesture of diplomatic solidarity strengthens the political basis of bilateral cooperation.
It is expected that work on the new agreement will be completed by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Georgian-Chinese relations continue to develop in several areas. Following the announcement of the strategic partnership in 2023, a visa-free regime was introduced, and efforts to open direct flights between Chinese cities and Tbilisi were intensified.
In addition, China is implementing a number of large-scale infrastructure projects in Georgia. One of the key areas of cooperation could be the construction of a deep-water port in Anaklia, the implementation of which is expected to be entrusted to one of the Chinese state-owned companies.
It is important to note that the countries officially announced the transition to the level of strategic partnership and signed a corresponding document on July 31, 2023, which became a landmark day in the history of Chinese-Georgian relations. This decision was recorded in a joint statement published following the visit of the Georgian Prime Minister to China.
China and Georgia reaffirmed their commitment to respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs. Georgia reiterated its support for the "one China" principle. Both countries noted the importance of strengthening strategic mutual trust and political dialogue.
Particular attention was paid to the economy. China welcomes Georgia's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing the importance of the Middle Corridor and Georgia's transit potential. The parties agreed to intensify trade, investment and infrastructure projects, expand cooperation in agriculture, digital technologies and logistics. China also supports the participation of Georgian companies in Chinese exhibitions and e-commerce platforms. The transition to the level of strategic partnership means more than just a declaration of friendship. This is a step towards the practical integration of the interests of the two countries. Georgia opens the doors to China in the Caucasus and Europe, and China offers Georgia participation in global initiatives, investments and technologies. The new stage in relations promises to be mutually beneficial, sustainable and long-term oriented.
GSR

SR-CENTER.INFO