Georgia and China Strengthen Strategic and Economic Partnership during High-Level Visit
BY TEAM GT
During an official visit to China this week, Georgia and the People’s Republic of China reaffirmed their strategic partnership and explored ways to expand cooperation across trade, infrastructure, tourism, and investment. The visit coincided with Georgia’s role as guest of honor at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, where more than 40 Georgian companies showcased products and investment opportunities.
At the Expo’s opening ceremony, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Chinese Premier Li Qiang officially opened the Georgian exhibition space. The display highlighted Georgia’s cultural heritage, unique alphabet, traditional wine-making, tourism potential, and culinary traditions. Visitors could attend master classes, taste local wines, and enjoy cultural performances, giving both Chinese and international attendees a firsthand look at Georgia’s offerings.
Georgia has participated in the CIIE for eight consecutive years, but this year’s guest-of-honor status marked a notable milestone in bilateral relations. The Expo, first held in 2018, has become a key platform for international trade, reflecting China’s efforts to open its domestic market and promote global trade integration.
EXPANDING TRADE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION
China is one of Georgia’s most significant trading partners. Since the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries came into effect in January 2018— covering nearly 95 percent of Georgian exports—bilateral trade has grown steadily. According to Georgia’s Ministry of Economy, trade turnover reached USD 1.6 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 15 percent increase from the same period in 2024.
Georgia exports wine, mineral water, nuts, copper ores, and agricultural products to China, while importing machinery, electronics, textiles, and construction materials. While the trade balance favors China, Georgian officials note that the free trade arrangement has improved access for local producers and encouraged diversification of exports.
Investment from China is also on the rise. In the first half of 2025, Chinese direct investment in Georgia reached USD 7.43 million, a 229 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Although modest in absolute terms, the figures indicate growing interest in Georgian markets. Authorities have identified energy, logistics, transport, and hospitality as priority sectors for future investment.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONNECTIVITY
Transport and logistics were central topics during discussions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to developing the Middle Corridor, a trade route linking China to Europe through Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Data from Georgia’s transport agencies show that container traffic via the Middle Corridor rose 71 percent in January–August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, while cargo volumes have grown more than fifteenfold since 2023. Georgian officials see this as evidence of the corridor’s expanding strategic importance and Georgia’s potential role as a transit hub between Asia and Europe.
Ongoing infrastructure projects— including the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port, modernization of the East–West Highway, the Black Sea submarine cable project, and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway—are key to this vision. The government says these initiatives will enhance regional connectivity, support freight transport, and attract further investment in logistics.
TOURISM AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE
Tourism has become a growing component of China–Georgia relations. Chinese visitors to Georgia increased by 45 percent in the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting better air connectivity and targeted promotional campaigns. Georgia aims to promote cultural heritage, wine tourism, and nature-based experiences to attract more Chinese travelers.
During meetings in Shanghai and Beijing, Prime Minister Kobakhidze emphasized that “friendly relations and mutual respect” form the foundation of the partnership. He reiterated Georgia’s support for the One China principle and thanked China for recognizing Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
STRATEGIC AND POLITICAL DIALOGUE
Kobakhidze and Premier Li Qiang discussed ways to strengthen the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2023. Both leaders stressed mutual respect, equality, and non-interference as guiding principles. Cooperation within China’s Belt and Road Initiative was also
eCommerce Day Georgia 2025 Brings Local and Global Experts Together
BY MARIAM RAZMADZE
Ohighlighted, with Georgia positioning itself as a key contributor to regional connectivity.
Following these talks, several memorandums of understanding were signed between Georgian and Chinese ministries, covering areas such as the economy, environmental protection, and agriculture. Georgian signatories included Mariam Kvrivishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development; David Songhulashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture; and Paata Kalandadze, Georgia’s Ambassador to China.
Shanghai’s Mayor Kong Cheng met with the Georgian delegation, describing the relationship as “friendly and mutually beneficial” and expressing support for expanding cooperation in trade, innovation, and urban development.
ECONOMIC CONTEXT AND OUTLOOK
Georgia’s deepening engagement with China complements the country’s broader economic trajectory. According to the IMF, Georgia recorded one of the world’s fastest growth rates between 2021 and 2024, averaging 9.7 percent annually, with a projected 7.2 percent growth in 2025 and a medium-term outlook of 5.1 percent. Authorities credit this performance to stable macroeconomic management, diversified exports, and continued investment in infrastructure.
Georgia continues to balance partnerships between East and West, promoting itself as a reliable partner in the South Caucasus. Closer engagement with China expands trade routes and investment opportunities while supporting European integration efforts.
As Georgia positions itself as a bridge between Europe and Asia, both governments appear committed to keeping momentum in their partnership. With trade volumes growing, infrastructure projects advancing, and investment links strengthening, the relationship is moving beyond diplomatic formalities toward tangible, results-oriented cooperation.
The 2025 CIIE highlighted this shift: what started as symbolic participation in China’s trade fair has become a practical platform for business and cultural exchange. The next challenge will be translating this engagement into a more balanced trade relationship and stronger economic resilience for Georgia. For now, the message from Shanghai and Beijing is clear: China and Georgia are building a pragmatic, long-term partnership rooted in mutual economic interests and regional connectivity.
n October 31, the annual eCommerce Day Georgia took place in Tbilisi with its third edition. The event united local and international experts, technology sector representatives and small and medium businesses to discuss trends and innovations in electronic commerce. Founded in 2020, the eCommerce Association Georgia strengthens the local e-commerce ecosystem and helps collaboration between businesses.
Organized by the eCommerce Association Georgia with support from Bank of Georgia, the conference attracted around 400 participants. Speakers from Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Amadeus and other global and local tech
companies explored topics including artificial intelligence in e-commerce, live and social media commerce, and online service platforms.
Lado Kandelaki, Chairman of the eCommerce Association Georgia, stated: “eCommerce Day is not just a one-day conference, it is a platform for new opportunities, connecting local businesses with global e-commerce trends. Success today requires not only technology adoption but also smart, strategic management. We are confident that this event will serve as a foundation for both short- and long-term progress.” Bank of Georgia emphasized its support for SMEs, regarding the event as an opportunity for businesses to learn global best practices and build strategic partnerships. The event’s innovation partner was Visa, with additional support from companies including AWS, Google Cloud, Glovo, Acer and Wolt.
Tbilisi to Revive Samgori Cable Car as Part of Expanding Public Transport Network
BY KATIE RUTH DAVIES
Tbilisi is set to breathe new life into one of its oldest transport links. The Tbilisi Transport Company has announced a market research call for the design and construction of a modern cable car system in the Samgori district, replacing the city’s old, non-operational line.
Mayor Kakha Kaladze described the project as a major step in improving the capital’s public transport infrastructure.
“The implementation of one of the most important projects for improving the city’s public transport network is beginning,” Kaladze said during a government meeting. “Based on the market research results, a tender will be announced, and the project’s realization will take approximately 1.5 to 2 years.”
The original Samgori cable car, built in 1986, served the district for two decades but has been out of service since 2006 due to technical deterioration and lack of maintenance. For years, residents of Samgori have relied on buses and minibuses, which often struggle with traffic congestion and long delays.
Tbilisi’s cable car history dates back even further. The city’s first cable transport lines were planned during the Soviet era as a way to navigate its steep hills efficiently. Several lines operated in the 1980s, primarily serving industrial and residential districts, but many were decommissioned in the 1990s following maintenance challenges and funding shortages.
The city revived its cable car network in the 2010s, starting with the Rike–Sololaki line, which opened in 2012.
This route quickly became popular not only with commuters but also with tourists, offering panoramic views of Tbilisi and a practical alternative to road transport. The success of this line inspired further plans to modernize and expand cable car systems throughout the city, particularly in hilly or traffic-congested districts.
The new Samgori system will fully replace the old infrastructure with modern equipment designed to meet contemporary safety and efficiency standards. It will have a minimum capacity of 1,250 passengers per hour and will be fully integrated into Tbilisi’s unified public transport network, operating on a schedule aligned with the metro.
Kaladze emphasized that cable car development is a central element of the city’s transport policy.
“Development of cable car systems remains one of the key priorities in the city’s transport policy,” he said. “In addition to the Samgori line, we are planning new routes connecting Sarajishvili to Zgvisubani and Isani to Vazisubani, expanding access to more neighborhoods.”
Urban planners note that cable cars provide a low-cost, low-emission alternative to traditional road transport, particularly in Tbilisi’s hilly districts, where buses and cars often face delays. The expansion of the cable car network is also expected to ease congestion, shorten commute times, and improve connectivity across the city.
Once the market research is completed and a contractor selected, construction of the Samgori line could begin within months. If all goes according to plan, residents may soon experience a faster, safer, and more scenic way to navigate one of Tbilisi’s busiest districts.
E-Commerce Day. Source: FB
PM Irakli Kobakhidze with PM Li Keqiang of the People's Republic of China, opening the Georgian exhibition space at the China International Import Expo. Source: FB
