2018-11-08
As Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze stated in his summary of the recent visit to China, the FTA with China is a historic chance to increase Georgian export and balance the painful deficit, which is directly tied to the elimination of poverty in Georgia.
As Mamuka Bakhtadze emphasized during the briefing before today's Government meeting, the Government's delegation visited China on the personal invitation of the Chinese President. During the visit, the Prime Minister said, the Georgian delegation participated in a very important economic forum.
"The countries featured at this forum are viewed by China as its key sources of import. The Government of China officially announced its plans to increase the import from these countries by several billions, and we are truly excited that Georgia is among these countries. During our meeting with President Xi Jinping, we discussed deepening our economic relations and Georgia's export potential. We also participated in an expo enabling tens of Georgian companies to showcase their products for local consumers," Mamuka Bakhtadze underlined.
According to the Prime Minister, it is vitally important for Georgia to increase its export and decrease the existing heavy trade deficit.
"The free trade regime we enjoy with China, and the policy seeking to increase China's import, is a unique historic chance for Georgia to increase its export and balance the painful deficit, which is directly tied to the elimination of poverty in Georgia. We need more export, we need more manufacturing, more workplaces, ultimately to help us increase our export potential. I believe that, in the course of the next two years, our concrete plan pertaining to increasing export potential, will enable us to achieve significant progress in this direction," Mamuka Bakhtadze said.
Prime Minister's Press Office