MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Genadi Arveladze, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, signed a declaration regarding the commencement of negotiations for the CAREC Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership Agreement (CARTIF). The signing ceremony was held within the framework of the 24th CAREC Ministerial Conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The goal of the declaration is to sign a modern, development-oriented partnership agreement that will facilitate trade in goods and services within the CAREC region, reduce non-tariff barriers, and encourage the development of digital trade. According to the declaration, the launch of negotiations for the Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership Agreement (CARTIF) is scheduled for 2026.

Deputy Minister Genadi Arveladze positively assessed the launch of negotiations regarding the CARTIF agreement with the CAREC countries.

“One of the priorities of the Georgian government is the diversification of export markets and the signing of free trade agreements so that Georgian-produced products and services can enter as many countries as possible under a preferential regime. We have Free Trade Agreements with only a portion of the CAREC countries. Thus, cooperation in the CARTIF format will significantly help Georgian producers export products to more countries under a preferential regime” – the Deputy Minister noted.

Genadi Arveladze also highlighted that the goal of the CARTIF is to simplify trade between member countries, attract investments, and create a more competitive market.

Within the framework of the Ministerial Conference, a Memorandum on the Development of CAREC Regional Tourism was also signed. The objective of the Memorandum is to deepen regional cooperation, improve competitiveness, and position the CAREC region as a unified, high-value tourist destination.

The CAREC Ministerial Conference is an annual event where high - level representatives of the program's member states gather to approve strategic plans and action programs, and to discuss financing mechanisms for various initiatives and projects, as well as other important topical issues.