Important Step in Realizing Strategic Partnership: Visa-Free Travel between Georgia and China

In 2023, the governments of Georgia and China established a strategic partnership that encompasses political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people relations. In the current year of 2024, a significant stride was taken to actualize this strategic partnership. On April 10, 2024, the Agreement on Visa-Free Travel between Georgia and the People's Republic of China was formalized, and on May 28, 2024, the Agreement on Visa-Free Travel between Georgia and the People's Republic of China came into force.

As of May 28, 2024, citizens of China and Georgia who hold valid ordinary passports are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa to enter, exit, or transit through each other's territory for a period of up to 30 days per visit. Nevertheless, the aggregate period of stay shall not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. In the event that Chinese or Georgian nationals intend to remain in the territory of the other country for a duration exceeding 30 days, or if they seek to reside, work, study, engage in media activities, or undertake any other activities that require prior authorization from the relevant authorities, they are obliged to obtain the requisite visa prior to entering the territory.

The agreement between the governments of China and Georgia on mutual visa waiver for ordinary passport holders can be analyzed from a number of perspectives. However, one thing is clear: the mutual visa-free travel indicates a tangible geopolitical and economic rapprochement between the two countries. Georgia and China are moving from a strategic partnership to an alliance.
China and Georgia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1992, shortly after Georgia's independence in 1991. These relations have evolved towards a gradual rapprochement between the two countries in the context of global developments, including the "One Belt, One Road" initiative, where Georgia plays an important role as a transit country at the crossroads of trade routes between Europe and Asia. The signing of the agreement on mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders signals a further strengthening of bilateral relations.

The agreement demonstrates the strategic importance of Georgia to China and vice versa. In the context of global geopolitical tensions, such cooperation demonstrates both countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly through enhanced economic and cultural exchanges. Furthermore, China and Georgia have mutually acknowledged each other's territorial integrity. Notably, China recognizes Abkhazia and Samachablo as Georgian territories, while Georgia recognizes Taiwan as an integral part of the People's Republic of China.

The visa-free agreement is also part of China's broader strategy to strengthen ties with other countries, particularly in the context of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. Exemption from visa requirements can significantly streamline business travel and boost trade and investment between China and Georgia. Given that China is one of Georgia's largest trading partners, visa facilitation can help increase trade, especially in sectors such as agriculture, processing and food industry (including winemaking), and tourism.

In recent years, Chinese tourists have become a valuable source of revenue for many countries. Traditional tourist destinations in the EU, such as Italy, France, and Spain, are increasingly focusing on Chinese tourists for two key reasons. Firstly, there is a vast potential market with an almost unlimited capacity for growth.

Secondly, Chinese tourists have a high disposable income, which is an attractive proposition for tourism businesses. While an increase of 2-3 million tourists from China may seem insignificant, it represents a significant opportunity for countries like Georgia, where tourism revenues can potentially see a substantial boost.

The new visa-free regime between China and Georgia will facilitate further growth in tourist numbers between the two countries. Chinese tourists may be interested in exploring the historical and cultural heritage of Georgia, while Georgian citizens may gain insight into the diversity of Chinese culture and landscapes. This, in turn, has the potential to contribute to the development of tourism infrastructure and the creation of new jobs, primarily in Georgia.

The streamlining of the visa process will benefit small and medium-sized businesses, enabling more efficient trade between China and Georgia. This could lead to increased exports of traditional Georgian goods to the Chinese market for Georgian entrepreneurs, while Chinese companies could seize investment opportunities in Georgia.

Visa-free travel between China and Georgia could stimulate educational and cultural exchanges, which could lead to an increase in the number of students and academic exchanges. Furthermore, it will facilitate cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two nations.

It is worth noting that in recent years, there has been a notable influx of Indian students at Georgian universities. Attracting students from China to Georgian universities may further enhance the reputation and prestige of Georgian educational institutions in the global market for educational services.

The demographic impact of the visa-free regime between China and Georgia, given the demographic challenges in China and the relatively high standard of living in this country, is likely to be insignificant. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of PRC citizens traveling abroad. However, there has also been a corresponding decline in the frequency with which they are relocating to other countries for permanent residence. It is anticipated that increased population mobility between China and Georgia will result in only minor demographic shifts, primarily in major urban areas.

There is a possibility that the number of Chinese nationals employed in the business sector or pursuing academic studies in Georgia may increase. However, it is unlikely that Georgia will become a major destination for Chinese migrants, given the significant decline in China's birth rate, which is currently lower than that of Georgia. This is particularly relevant given that the wage level in key economic regions of China is already higher than in Georgia. It is not a logical decision for PRC citizens to relocate to Georgia for financial gain.

Conversely, for Georgian citizens seeking employment abroad, China is currently less attractive than EU countries and Russia due to cultural and linguistic differences. Consequently, any potential increase in labor migration between Georgia and China would necessitate the implementation of enhanced policies by both governments to regulate working conditions and guarantee the rights of migrants.

It is reasonable to anticipate that economic cooperation between China and Georgia will continue to deepen in the future. The mutual visa waiver agreement can serve as the foundation for future trade and investment agreements that will drive economic growth in both countries. Georgia can leverage its relationship with China to enhance its role as a key transit hub and partner in the One Belt, One Road initiative, thereby strengthening its position in the South Caucasus region. This could result in increased investment in the region and greater economic stability.

Vladimir Tskhvediani
Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Strategic Partnership Information Support Centre

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