MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Mariam Kvrivishvili, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, met with Wang Wentao, the Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China. The ministers discussed existing trade relations between the two countries and opportunities for their further deepening.

The parties signed a Protocol on Amendments to the Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and China, which envisages the adaptation of the existing agreement to the requirements of the modern trade environment, the specification of defined areas of cooperation and the addition of new directions.

“The changes implemented in the Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and the People’ s Republic of China represent a strategically important step in the process of further deepening our economic partnership, and we expect that it will facilitate the growth of bilateral trade turnover. In recent years, economic relations between our countries have acquired significant dynamics, driven by both high-level political engagement and increasing cooperation between business sectors,” – Mariam Kvrivishvili noted.

According to the Minister’s assessment, the updated agreement creates a more modern and flexible framework, which includes both the clarification of existing areas of cooperation and the addition of new directions. Furthermore, additional opportunities are being created in the fields of investments and e-commerce.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that this decision represents a significant step forward in bilateral trade relations and creates new opportunities for Georgian producers to establish themselves in the Chinese market. It was also stated that within the framework of the Free Trade Agreement, work is underway regarding the admission of Georgian products of animal origin to the Chinese market, specifically, progress was noted regarding the admission of poultry meat and Georgian honey.

It is noteworthy that since the Free Trade Agreement entered into force (January 1, 2018), exports in 2025 reached 327,6 million USD, which is by 62% higher than the 2017 data. In 2025, the trade turnover between Georgia and China exceeded the 2017 figures by 148%. As for 2026, in the first quarter, the trade turnover between Georgia and the People's Republic of China increased by 55%. It should be highlighted that China is Georgia’s third-largest partner in terms of trade and the top partner in terms of exports.

The ministers of the two countries discussed the placement of export products from Georgia on the Chinese market and issues of support in this regard through multilateral as well as bilateral events. The Georgian side confirmed its readiness to implement a special support program for the Chinese market to increase the competitiveness of Georgian export products.

The meeting also focused on opportunities to attract more investment from China and the interest of Chinese investors, especially in the transport and logistics, infrastructure, and energy sectors, including gas and oil exploration and production.

Tourism was also a topic of discussion at the meeting between Mariam Kvrivishvili and Wang Wentao. It was noted that in the first quarter of 2026, the number of visitors from China was increased by 49%. It was stated at the meeting that the increased tourist flows are supported by direct flights, which are operating with high load factors, as well as the visa-free regime agreement that came into effect on May 28, 2024. Notably, as of today, two Chinese airlines operate between Georgia and China with a frequency of 10 times per week.

The parties once again emphasized the importance of strengthening connectivity between Asia and Europe and deepening further cooperation so that cargo turnover between China and Europe through the Middle Corridor increases even further.

The meeting between the Chinese Minister of Commerce and Mariam Kvrivishvili was also attended by the Deputy Ministers Genadi Arveladze and Irakli Nadareishvili, as well as the Minister Counsellor of the Georgian Embassy to the People’s Republic of China, Besik Sharashenidze.