PM Kobakhidze: Georgia’s strategic partnership with China already delivering tangible results

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said the country’s strategic partnership agreement with China was already producing practical outcomes, including a visa-free regime and expanding trade and economic cooperation.

Speaking in an interview with China’s state broadcaster CCTV on the programme Leaders Talk, Kobakhidze highlighted the growing importance of the bilateral relationship.

“We are linked by a strategic partnership agreement with China, which already has tangible results, including a mutual visa-free regime and strong trade and economic ties. This is extremely important for Georgia”, the Prime Minister said.

Kobakhidze highlighted that Georgia aimed to showcase its best qualities to the world, noting that wine remained one of the country’s signature exports.

“Georgia is the cradle of wine, it was first made here 8,000 years ago. We are proud to see our wine exports to China growing”, he said, adding that tourism between the two countries is also on the rise.

The Prime Minister added the 2018 free trade agreement with China had played a crucial role in strengthening economic cooperation, while ongoing forums and initiatives continued to deepen ties in trade, tourism and people-to-people relations between the countries.

He said that increasing direct flights between the two countries would further enhance connections: “We believe Georgia will become an even more attractive destination for Chinese tourists. This partnership is one of our key priorities”.