MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program member countries held the zero round of negotiations on the CAREC Advanced Regionally Integrated Trade Market Framework Agreement (CARTIF) in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

Genadi Arveladze, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, led the Georgian delegation. CARTIF is the first agreement developed within the CAREC framework aimed at promoting trade and investment between countries, reducing non-tariff barriers, developing digital trade and strengthening economic cooperation.

During the meeting, representatives of the CAREC member states discussed the negotiation format, structure, priorities and further plans.

“For Georgia, CARTIF is a significant opportunity, as the agreement will facilitate the diversification of Georgian exports, attract investments, and strengthen the country's position as a regional transit and trade hub. It is also expected to simplify trade procedures and create a more predictable and competitive environment for businesses,” –the head of the Georgian delegation stated.

Genadi Arveladze also noted that Georgia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has long served as a natural bridge for trade and transit.

“With our extensive network of free trade agreements, including those with the EU, China, and regional partners, and our growing role as a logistics and transport hub, we view CARTIF as an important tool to further unlock the region’s potential. This directly aligns with our vision to become a connecting gateway between markets and to facilitate faster, more efficient and reliable movement of goods across borders,” – the Deputy Minister noted.

As Genadi Arveladze stated, Georgia is ready to actively participate in the negotiations. “We believe that this process will further strengthen cooperation among the countries of the region, further develop economic opportunities, and enhance connectivity,” – the Deputy Minister concluded.