Georgian PM highlights strategic partnership, economic growth with China

Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, on Friday emphasized the significance of the strategic partnership with China during his annual report to Parliament. He reported a “substantial deepening” of economic ties between the two nations, with trade turnover reaching $1.6 billion. He also said over 48,000 Chinese tourists visited Georgia last year, a 6.5-fold increase compared to 2022.

“Our strategic partnership with China is crucial. The agreement we signed has already yielded concrete results across various sectors,” Kobakhidze said.

The PM also highlighted the success in trade relations with Central Asian countries, noting a 50% increase in trade turnover and a 30% rise in visitor numbers over the past year. He expressed a desire for economic growth to encourage the return of Georgian compatriots to their homeland.

Maintaining the connection of the Georgian diaspora with their motherland remained a top priority, according to Kobakhidze. He said the government had implemented numerous socio-economic, infrastructural, agricultural, healthcare, educational, and cultural projects, particularly in villages near the dividing line.

The State Minister of Reconciliation and Civil Equality has played a vital role in these efforts, said the Prime Minister. He also noted the expansion of the bilingual education model at the pre-school and school levels, with the method now being used in 36 kindergartens and 184 public schools.