As Zhou Qian, the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, noted on Saturday, the bilateral trade turnover with Georgia amounted to $2 billion and increased by 48 percent in 2023, compared to the previous year. The total number of investments from China to Georgia exceeded $800 million.
The Ambassador said in his exclusive interview with Imedi TV channel that China has been one of Georgia’s leading trade partners and the largest investor for many years. He also explained that Georgia’s favorable geographical location and free trade regimes with many countries makes it interesting for Chinese companies.
“Readiness” of the Chinese companies to engage in the process of developing Georgia as an energy, transport and digital hub was emphasized by Qian, as well as the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two states and the benefit of the implementation of the visa-free regime in this regard were also stressed by him.
According to the Ambassador, the Chinese Railway Department is ready to be “actively involved” in the investment, construction and operation of the Georgian railway, ports, as well as energy and other projects, which would be connected to the Middle Corridor, a multimodal transport corridor connecting China to Europe through the South Caucasus.
One Belt One Road initiative, the Chinese global infrastructure development strategy to invest in more than 150 countries, including Georgia, was also highlighted by Qian. He said that Georgia was “the first to respond to” this initiative and become a beneficiary of China’s “huge market”.
Middle Corridor plays a very important role for Georgia. Chinese companies are also interested in “all infrastructure projects”.
As Qian announced, the visa-free regime between the countries would “most likely” be officially signed in April and would be implemented in the coming months. He also noted that China and Georgia were “actively working” to add more direct flights.
People-to-people contacts will be undoubtedly facilitated, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries will also be activated and the number of Chinese tourists [in Georgia] will be increased due to this. The Chinese Ambassador expressed his hope for preservation of the spirit of the historical Silk Road and strengthening of cooperation of the two people in the future.
Qian announced Georgia’s participation in the international tourism exhibition – ITB China – that will take place in May in Shanghai and pointed out that Georgia and cooperation between tourist agencies of the two states would be further promoted in China.
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