Caucasian Institute for Economic and Social Research
2013
3.2 Assessment of Current Situation Trade always had special place in relations of EU and Georgia. EU is the most important trade partner for Georgia. In 2012 external trade turnover of Georgia compiled 10 220 million USD, out of which turn over with EU countries was 2780 million USD; which is in 12% more compared to figures of previous year. Georgia’s share of export to EU countries compiles 15% in total export and – 31% in import.58 EU made decision on starting negotiations with Georgia on DCFTA on 5 December 2011. The negotiations officially opened on 28 February 2012, during Mr. Karel De Gucht’s visit to Georgia. According to him DCFTA facilitates Georgia to become more competitive and capable to use EU internal market59. Negotiations process on DCFTA covers 6 rounds: • • • • • •
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1st round of DCFTA negotiations took place on 27-29 March in Tbilisi; 2nd round of DCFTA negotiations took place on 26-28 June in Brussels; 3rd round of DCFTA negotiations took place on 25-27 September in Tbilisi; 4th round of DCFTA negotiations took place on 26-30 November in Brussels; 5th round of DCFTA negotiations took place on 29-31 January in Tbilisi; 6th round of DCFTA negotiations is planned on 18-22 March, 2013.
Geostat http://www.geostat.ge/ According to data of January 2011 EU population compiles 502,5 million http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/eurostat/home
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