Georgia “only in region” signing free trade deal both with EU, China – FM

Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Friday said his country was the only state in the South Caucasus region, which had signed free trade agreements both with the EU and China, in his speech at the state legislature. 

 

He stressed “Georgia has proven to be a reliable partner for both the EU and China. We are actively using the opportunity provided by these two agreements and increasing the volume of trade in both directions.”

 

The Minister also spoke about Tbillisi’s “important role” as a route between Europe and Asia. 

 

“The activation of cooperation between Georgia, Eastern European countries and China and the coordination of works for the implementation of transport-infrastructural projects are of particular importance for increasing the efficiency of the so-called Middle Corridor and raising its competitiveness. In addition, the involvement of China and Eastern Europe in the further development of logistics infrastructure contributes to the promotion of Georgia as a secure and reliable transport route, an alternative transport route connecting Asia with Europe”, he noted. 
Opposition lawmakers summoned the Minister to the body to answer the questions about the Georgia-China strategic deal signed in July.