Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Georgia and the Republic of Serbia are set to begin. A joint statement announcing the launch of talks was signed by Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, and Serbia’s Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade, Jagoda Lazarević, during an official visit to Serbia, the Ministry of Economy of Georgia reported.

According to the ministry, the importance of a free trade agreement was discussed at the second meeting of the Georgia–Serbia Joint Governmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation, held in Belgrade. The heads of the economic agencies emphasized the need to accelerate the start of negotiations, noting that the agreement would significantly contribute to the deepening of trade and investment relations between the two countries.

The joint statement outlines a comprehensive framework for economic partnership, covering trade in goods and other areas of economic cooperation.

“This modern and forward-looking framework will create new opportunities for exporters in both countries. Given the importance of bilateral economic relations and the untapped potential for further trade expansion, it is necessary to intensify cooperation between Georgian exporters and leading Serbian distributors and importers. Alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals and packaging materials are among the promising export sectors with significant potential to expand commercial ties and increase bilateral trade volumes,” the statement reads.

According to the Georgian Ministry of Economy, the first round of negotiations on the free trade agreement is planned for the first half of 2026.