2015-09-11
During his visit to China, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili discussed the growing bilateral relationship and shared interests between Georgia and China at a speech at the Beijing University of International Business and Economics. The Prime Minister was also awarded the title of Honorary Professor.
Prime Minister Garibashvili highlighted the rapidly growing trade relationship between Georgia and China, including the prospect of restoring the historic Silk Road. He noted that Georgia and China are historically linked - centuries ago, Georgia was the start and end point of journeys from China to Europe.
"This year, we have restored the fast rail link between China and Georgia, making it the fastest land route leading to Europe. This is the first time since 1513, when the Portuguese Karavelas reached the Chinese coast, that the route is operational. Today, the process of the Silk Road's revival is also creating a closer relationship between our countries. Hopefully, not only trade, but also people, ideas, knowledge and culture will enrich our relations," stated Prime Minister Garibashvili.
The Prime Minister also discussed Georgia's growing role as a regional economic leader, noting that Georgia has already signed a free trade agreement with the EU, which provides for the tariff free exports from Georgia to Europe, and looks forward to developing a similar agreement with China.
"There is no country in the region that is more open to Chinese business and investment, Chinese people and culture or Chinese innovation and ideas than Georgia. When my government came to power in 2012, we announced our ambition to establish strong global partnership through trade, investment and contacts. Obviously, China was one of the first in this respect," noted Prime Minister Garibashvili.
Prime Minister Garibashvili reiterated Georgia's commitment to the Silk Road Project, and emphasized Georgia's strategic location.
"The Chinese Government has already granted us the practical tools for the "One zone - One road" initiative, and we have met objectives like the Silk Road Fund and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Georgia was the 45th country to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which we strongly believe will benefit emerging economies and play an important role in other international financial institutions like the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Also, the new Silk Road will reach two-thirds of the world population and 60 percent of GDP will occur on the energy highway and cultural crossroad. Enhanced and cooperative trade will put us all on a track to peace," said Prime Minister Garibashvili.
In March 2015, the Georgian government conducted a study on the feasibility of a possible free trade agreement. A preliminary assessment concluded that trade liberalization could increase Georgian exports to China by 9 percent, while Chinese exports to Georgia could increase by 1.7 percent.
Prime Minister Garibashvili also highlighted the impact that an expanded Georgian-Chinese relationship would have on Georgia's tourism sector.
"In addition, our ambitions concern our service sector, especially the development of the tourism sector. Trade allows access to world wonders, which is very important for Georgian tourism. China and Georgia have a deeply rooted and rich historical connection. We are now offering a variety of sites and culture to Chinese tourists," said Prime Minister Garibashvili.
He continued, "We are offering ski resorts, beaches, archeological sites, and a taste of the world's first produced wine. All of these attractions are located where the mountains and seas that divide Europe and Asia meet. Many Chinese tourists have been introduced to the country in this way, indicated by the increase in our wine exports, which grew by 41 and 31 percent in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Georgia has also achieved "The Status of Approved Destination" and Chinese Southern Airlines have three weekly flights from Urumchi to Tbilisi"
Prime Minister Garibashvili thanked the university professors and students for awarding him the title, and noted that he had a festive feeling when receiving the university diploma.
Prime Miinister's Press Office