MP Sozar Subari: Asia’s growing trade role makes Georgia a vital bridge for Central Asian and regional freight

“The expanding economic prominence of Asia, encompassing both Chinese freight and the vast resource wealth of Central Asia, positions Georgia as a primary corridor connecting East and West,” Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament and People’s Power Chairman Sozar Subari declared during a parliamentary delegation visit to Prague.

Subari highlighted shared political alignment with the Czech Republic’s governing coalition, led by Andrej Babiš, noting that Prague’s emphasis on national sovereignty mirrors Georgia’s own approach within European politics.

“Today, the Czech Republic is led by a political force whose leader, Andrej Babiš, pursues a policy of strengthening national sovereignty. They push back against Brussels on any matter that does not benefit the Czech Republic or risks compromising its national interests. This reflects the sovereign vision of the European Union that Georgia aspires to join, and indeed the principles on which the EU was originally founded,” Subari stated.

Subari noted that the Czech Republic remains one of Georgia’s largest European investors, with foreign direct investment exceeding USD 500 million, particularly within the energy sector. However, he pointed to a significant trade imbalance that both nations can address.

“Bilateral trade is substantial, though we face a deficit: Czech exports to Georgia reach approximately USD 120 million, whereas Georgian exports to the Czech Republic hover around USD 10 million to USD 12 million. While our economy is smaller, we possess key sectors capable of expanding exports. For every EU member state, Georgia serves as a critical transit bridge between East and West,” Subari explained.

Addressing broader supply chain shifts, Subari underscored Georgia’s strategic positioning alongside Central European transit hubs:

“Asia’s role in global trade is accelerating rapidly. This involves not only Chinese cargo but Central Asia’s vast resources, with Georgia serving as a principal gateway. Land corridors through Georgia may also emerge as viable alternatives to maritime routes for Indian freight. Landlocked yet strategically situated in Central Europe, the Czech Republic acts as a key distribution hub for goods arriving from the East.”

The Georgian parliamentary delegation, led by Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, is visiting Prague at the official invitation of Tomio Okamura, Chairman of the Czech Chamber of Deputies.