2016-06-03
During the wide format meeting at the Administration of the Government of Georgia, Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Zhang Gaoli discussed deepening of economic cooperation between the countries, restoration of Silk Road and investment projects.
In the beginning of the meeting Giorgi Kvirikashvili noted that the government welcomes the visit of high-profile delegation that was undertaken for the first time throughout the history of Georgian-Chinese relations.
"We are glad that you are in Georgia. Development of bilateral relations with the world's largest power and one of the biggest economies is a top priority to us. Our government is ready to enlarge the capacities for further deepening of bilateral relations. Welcome to Georgia", - Prime Minister of Georgia addressed Vice Prime Minister of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.
The importance of the new project "One Belt-One Road" initiated by the President of China Xi Jinping under the umbrella of new Silk Road program was emphasized. It was noted that this project is of regional and global significance that will bring great benefits to the countries of the continent and will enhance peace and stability.
Pursuant to the Prime Minister, the new Silk Road also creates new opportunities for developing trade, economy and Georgia's transit potential that is vitally important for the population. Prime Minister also elaborated on the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum that takes place every year and fosters connections among the countries interested in the future of the Silk Road.
Georgian side was offered to approximate its development plan with the 5-year-agenda that China has in the context of Silk Road.
"I am honored to be visiting your beautiful country. Joint discussions on the ways of widening cooperation channels and obtaining greater benefits from implementation of "One Belt - One Road" are very important I congratulate you on the success achieved by Georgia throughout the last years. I believe that many more accomplishments are ahead of us. We look forward to developing the bilateral relations for the benefit of our countries," - Vice Prime Minister of the State Council of the People's Republic of China addressed the Prime Minister of Georgia. The Vice Prime Minister also chairs the Committee on Silk Road Restoration Project "One Belt - One Road".
The sides actively discussed bilateral Free Trade Agreement and reasserted their commitment to the consensus they achieved. They expressed hope that negotiations will be finalized as soon as possible and Georgia will become the first country in the region to have free trade with China.
During the discussions, bilateral trade relations were emphasized and it was noted that China is among top 5 largest trade partners of Georgia and represents one of the main investors of the country. In January-April 2016, export to China increased by 107% as compared to the previous year.
The sides also discussed the issues related to the setting up of the East-West transit corridor and cargo shipment. In this context importance of the railway system was emphasized, since it enables swift transportation of the goods. It was emphasized that the first freight train from China to Georgia arrived in 9 days in February 2015 and in 7 days in September - this is a record time.
Issue of development of the port infrastructure was also paid particular attention to. Strategic importance of Anaklia deep water port project was highlighted, since it will substantially increase the cargo turnover through Georgia.
The sides also discussed growing Chinese investments in Georgia and noted that "Hualing Group" is the largest investor of the country. The cooperation has been successful. In this view establishment of the air company that will enable direct flights from China to Georgia by "Hualing" was highlighted. It was noted that respective initiative will foster tourism.
Free economic zones, development of infrastructure, establishment of the joint enterprises, cooperation in the areas of agriculture, energy, innovations and technologies, education and culture and politics were also discussed.
Vice Prime Ministers of Georgia, Ministers of Economy and Energy Dimitry Kumsishvili and Kakha Kaladze, Minister of Finance Nodar Khaduri, Minister of Labour, Health and Social Protection David Sergeenko, Minister of Agriculture Otar Danelia, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of Georgia to the People's Republic of China H.E. David Aptsiauri and Chinese high-profile officials attended the meeting.
Prime Minister's Press Office