2015-09-13
A Georgian delegation - led by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili - completed a successful business visit to the People's Republic of China.
Prime Minister Garibashvili met with several high-level Chinese government and business leaders, and both countries expressed their commitment to expanding trade relations and the importance of the new Silk Road initiative. The Prime Minister also participated in the World Economic Forum in Dalian.
During the Prime Minister's meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, the two leaders discussed opportunities to enhance bilateral relations and joint cooperation. It was also decided that Georgia would be the first country in the region start free trade negotiations with China.
Prime Minister Garibashvili was awarded with the title of an Honorary Professor of Beijing University of International Business and Economics, where he delivered a speech. At the University, Prime Minister Garibashvili discussed the rapidly growing trade relationship between Georgia and China, Georgia's increasingly favorable business environment, and opportunities related to the new Silk Road initiative.
Prime Minister Garibashvili also met with the leadership of China's Silk Road Fund. At the meeting held in Beijing, he stressed Georgia's interest in the project, and invited the Fund's leadership to attend the upcoming Tbilisi Silk Road Forum.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister met with the Director of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Wang Jiarui. In his speech, Prime Minister Garibashvili stressed that he is pleased with the development of relations between the two countries, which have become more dynamic over the last two years.
"Despite the radically different political systems, China and Georgia have a common interest, which concerns the economy," stated Prime Minister Garibashvili. He also said that Georgia should become a place of economic trade, political negotiations and peace for Europe and Asia.
During his visit, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Dalian Municipality and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. The Memorandum of Cooperation, signed between the JSC "Carriage Building Company" and Dalian Locomotive and Carriage Building Plant, and determined that the locomotives with asynchronous engine and spare parts will be built in Georgia.
The agreement is aimed at creating closer ties between the Georgian and Chinese people and enhancing bilateral relations concerning economy, agriculture, health, education, culture, tourism and urban planning.
Another Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Dalian between the Georgian wine company and Dalian free trade zone.
Prime Minister Garibashvili also met with the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Lit Sun. At the meeting, it was noted that Georgia will be one of the first countries where the bank will start implementing projects.
He also attended meetings with large Chinese corporations such as Dongfang Electric, Chinese Railway Construction Corporation, Huawei Company and POWERCHINA. Additionally, he met with the representatives of China's Securities Commission. Prime Minister Garibashvili's visit included several meetings with the Chinese media. In his interview with the State Television of China (CCTV), Prime Minister Garibashvili talked about Georgia's geopolitical attractiveness, economic potential and the new Silk Road Project.
Prime Minister Garibashvili continued to discuss economic issues on the program Global Watch. Global Watch, which covers international topics, was particularly interested in Georgia's participation in the new Silk Road Project. During the interview, Prime Minister Garibashvili emphasized the importance of Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, which will be held in October.
Also, in his discussion with the publisher China Daily, he highlighted Georgia's tourism opportunities, the growing potential of Black Sea ports and the increasing role of the railway.
To conclude the historic visit, the Prime Minister and the Georgian delegation visited the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City.
Prime Minister's Press Office