MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Genadi Arveladze, met with Kurt Jäger, Secretary-General of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The meeting was held in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the Deputy Minister’s visit to the Swiss Confederation.

During the meeting, the parties discussed trade and economic relations between Georgia and EFTA member states. They highlighted the fruitful cooperation and noted the potential for further growth in Georgia’s trade with EFTA members. To facilitate this, the Deputy Minister proposed organizing joint business forums and trade missions, which would help bring private sector representatives closer and positively impact trade growth between the countries.

It was noted that in 2024, trade turnover between Georgia and EFTA member states increased by 14,8% compared to the previous year, reaching 302 million USD. Exports also grew by 24%. Genadi Arveladze stated that since the Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and the European Free Trade Association came into force in 2018, overall trade turnover between the countries is increased by 92,4%, and exports by 43%, indicating the structural advantages of the Agreement. At the same time, Genadi Arveladze noted that exports to EFTA member states require greater diversification. The Deputy Minister highlighted products such as wine, hazelnuts, canned goods, fruit juices, and textiles as having significant export potential in the EFTA markets.

The Deputy Minister proposed holding the next meeting of the Joint Committee, established under the Free Trade Agreement, in Georgia. This meeting would address priority issues of trade and economic cooperation. The last session of the Joint Committee took place in 2022.

The parties also exchanged information on economic reforms undertaken, bilateral trade relations, and their development prospects.

At the end of the meeting, the Deputy Minister invited Kurt Jäger, Secretary-General of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), to the Fifth Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, which will be held in Tbilisi, Georgia, on October 22-23.