Deputy Economy Minister: Free Trade Agreement update with China to reduce trade barriers

Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Genadi Arveladze participated in the second meeting of the Georgia-China Free Trade Agreement Joint Commission in Beijing, which also featured the first consultation on updating the agreement.

During the meeting, Arveladze thanked China for its unwavering support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.

“Georgia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in many areas, including trade. The Free Trade Agreement has already played a decisive role in promoting trade, strengthening business ties, and creating new opportunities,” Arveladze stated.

He highlighted significant trade growth, noting that bilateral trade turnover reached $1.916 billion in 2024, representing a 17% increase compared to 2023. China remains one of Georgia’s leading trade partners, ranking fourth and accounting for 8.1% of Georgia’s total trade turnover.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that changes to the agreement will help reduce trade barriers and ensure flexibility in cooperation mechanisms.

Both sides expressed expectations to complete negotiations on expanding the Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year.

The Georgia-China Free Trade Agreement entered into force in 2018 and aims to deepen and strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations between the two countries.