China’s Vice Premier Visits Georgia
China’s Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, who is paying a two-day visit to Tbilisi, met Georgian PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili on June 3.
“I am glad that Georgian-Chinese relations are developing successfully over the past several years and your visit is yet another confirmation of it,” PM Kvirikashvili told the Chinese Vice Premier and also added that deepening ties with China represents Tbilisi’s “important priority”.
PM’s office said that bilateral free trade agreement was discussed in details and the both sides have “reiterated commitment to complete talks in the shortest possible time.”
Georgian and Chinese officials held first round of talks on free trade agreement between the two countries in Tbilisi in February with the both sides expressing hope to complete negotiations before the end of 2016.
PM’s office also said importance of China’s One Belt-One Road initiative was noted at the meeting with PM Kvirikashvili stressing that it also represents an opportunity for Georgia to further develop its transit potential.
An agreement between the two governments was signed according to which China will grant about USD 9.1 million for improving healthcare facilities in Georgia’s two regions.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed on June 3 between the Georgian Economy Ministry and Chinese Ministry of Commerce, envisaging setting up of bilateral investment and trade councils in Georgia and China to boost economic cooperation.
This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
