Economy Minister: Chinese market is very important for Georgia’s economic development
By Nika Gamtsemlidze
Friday, November 8
Georgia is participating in the second China International Import Expo for the second time. This time, 33 companies presented stands for local distributors and viewers. Most of them were winemakers. As of 2018, this was the third-largest export market for Georgian wines after Russia and Ukraine.
Economy Minister talked with Georgian winemakers, including those who were able to find partners at last year’s Expo. Also, on the first day of the exhibition, one of the Georgian wine companies, which participated in the Expo for the first time, signed a USD 1 million memorandum, which will support its production on the Chinese market.
Georgian-Chinese companies also participated in the Georgian pavilion, including a tea plant company, which works on high-quality tea in the Tsalenjikha municipality and sells the final product in China.
According to the company representatives, Georgia has the opportunity to produce high-quality tea which can be sold in China and other countries.
Most of the Georgian companies were producers of food, as well as wine and soft drinks. At the Expo, Georgian leather and textile producers were also present, they presented visitors with high quality and original products as well as their production capabilities.
According to Turnava, after 2017, when free trade agreement entered into force, China has become one of the most important markets for Georgia.
“We will work to expand our product into this huge market and maximize the potential that the Chinese market has for the Georgian industry,” noted Minister, saying that this represents one of the most important aspects of developing Georgian export.
Turnava also had a meeting with China’s Gansu Province Governor, Tang Renjian. The Gansu Province is located in the north of China, with a population exceeding 25 million people.
The meeting was also attended by the members of the Gansu provincial administration, as well as the Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Genadi Arveladze, the Partnership Fund Executive Director, David Saghanelidze, the Georgian Railway Director General, David Peradze and the Georgian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Archil Kalandia.
Trade and economic relations between Georgia and China and the importance of further deepening and development of the cooperation were discussed. It was noted that the countries successfully cooperate on bilateral as well as regional platforms.
Natia Turnava stated that Georgia is interested in developing economic links with certain provinces of China. She also emphasized the country’s investment opportunities, as well as the importance of deepening relations and cooperation in the field of tourism.
3,000 manufacturing companies from 150 countries and regions are participating in the Expo. The exhibition is held at China National Exhibition and Convention Center.