Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has unveiled the government's plans to introduce a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens. Analysts predict that this will strengthen partnerships and foster economic growth between the two countries, media reports.
My trip to China was incredibly successful. China boasts the strongest economy in the world, and it is important for us to strengthen trade and economic relations, as well as attract more investment and tourism from China. With this in mind, we have decided to abolish the visa regime,
the prime minister said.
In June, Georgia and China engaged in negotiations that marked the beginning of a new phase in their relationship. The two countries announced a strategic partnership encompassing various areas, including politics and culture. Georgia supports the "One Belt, One Road" initiative and the concept of "Chinese modernization."
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili, has announced that Chinese visitors can stay in Georgia for up to thirty days without a visa following the high-level negotiations.
Planes on the Tbilisi-Urumqi-Beijing route will soon fly daily. Georgia's tourism industry is preparing for Chinese tourists expected this fall.
As the head of the Georgian Guides Association, Sofia Jararidze ensures their guests receive the best and most captivating experiences. For Chinese tourists, she understands that they have a keen interest in learning about Georgia's rich history and breathtaking sights, as well as engaging in various excursions such as classic tours, extreme hikes, and family vacations. With significant investments pouring in from China, large-scale projects such as the construction of highways and tunnels and the integration of modern technologies in education, mechanical engineering, and agriculture are underway in Georgia. Experts predict that China's involvement will soon be prominent in Georgia's foreign economy.
Diplomatic relations between these two countries were established on June 9, 1992. The relationship has steadily progressed since then, primarily focusing on economic cooperation. Both countries have established embassies in each other's capitals - China in Tbilisi and Georgia in Beijing. In 2017, China became Georgia's fourth-largest trading partner and the second-largest market for Georgian wine exports.
Earlier, Daryo reported that initial data released on September 19 shows that Georgia's foreign trade turnover of goods (excluding undeclared trade) has increased by 16.8% to over $14bn between January and August 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year.
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