"Investing in Georgia is Promising for China" - An Interview with the Chinese Ambassador

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Georgia, Zhou Qian, discussed the current and future relations between Georgia and China, the trade-economic prospects, and the investment appeal of Georgia with "Business Partner":

China-Georgia relations have entered a new phase. What achievements have the two sides made, and what are your future plans for visa-free travel and deepening trade?

In July last year, China and Georgia established a strategic partnership, elevating their relationship to the highest level in history and injecting new momentum into bilateral cooperation in trade, economics, and other fields. The joint construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative by the two countries is progressing steadily. According to Georgian statistics, China-Georgia trade volume increased by over 10% from January to May this year compared to the same period last year, with China reemerging as Georgia's third-largest trade partner. Recently, Chinese alternative energy vehicles, such as Zeekr, have entered the Georgian market. Numerous Chinese companies are negotiating with the Georgian side on cooperation in urban infrastructure and energy sectors. The Hualing Kutaisi Free Industrial Zone has introduced new industries in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, wood processing, and more. Significant progress has been made on various sections of the E60 and North-South highways, constructed by several Chinese companies, with many sections now open to traffic, greatly improving Georgia's transportation capabilities. In terms of tourism, about 33,000 Chinese tourists visited Georgia in the first half of this year, marking a 160% increase from the same period last year, and the number of Georgian tourists visiting China has also risen.

A visa-free regime is an effective method for promoting people-to-people movement. We encourage tourism agencies in both countries to strengthen ties, introduce more appealing tourism products and routes, and diversify the tourism experience. We also support enterprises in enhancing cooperation and actively organizing Georgian companies to participate in major exhibitions such as Eurasia Expo, International Import Expo, and Import and Export Exhibition, enriching the market structure and meeting people's aspirations for a better life.

China's economic development achievements are largely due to industrialization. Can Georgia follow this example, and what support can China provide?

China's industrialization transformed it from an underdeveloped agrarian nation into the world's largest industrial country and commodity trader. China is the largest contributor to global economic growth, boasting the most comprehensive industrial system and leading in manufacturing for 13 consecutive years. China's development results have garnered global attention. Key aspects of China's industrialization include active integration into global development, steadfast openness to foreign investment, and participation in global industrial labor distribution. China has continually strengthened its industry through competition and cooperation with the global economy, rapidly increasing scale and efficiency. Additionally, China has focused heavily on scientific and technological innovation, investing over 3.3 trillion yuan in public research and development in 2023, maintaining a double-digit annual growth rate over the past decade, significantly higher than the OECD average. By the end of 2023, China had over 4 million active invention patents, the highest globally.

Promoting industrialization is a long-term, complex, and systemic project, differing by country. Georgia can leverage its free trade agreements with the European Union and China, along with its strategic location connecting Europe and Asia. By focusing on existing industries, identifying suitable international industrial chain segments, enhancing political support, training a skilled workforce, and actively attracting foreign investments, Georgia can attract companies to invest in duty-free industrial and logistics parks, achieve breakthroughs in certain industrial fields, and gradually extend the industrial chain. China is eager to share its experience and strengthen cooperation with Georgia.

A Chinese company won the Anaklia port tender. Apart from Anaklia port, what other sectors interest China in Georgia?

Georgia's high degree of openness and favorable business environment make it an attractive destination for foreign investments, including from China, which has invested over $800 million in Georgia. China, a global leader in infrastructure construction, seeks to enhance cooperation with Georgia in railways, ports, highways, and urban infrastructure renewal. Many Chinese companies are also negotiating energy cooperation, which is expected to bolster Georgia's energy security and stability.

There are numerous opportunities for China-Georgia cooperation in areas such as cross-border trade, e-commerce, logistics, transportation, energy and digital hubs, alternative energy, and second-hand vehicles. We welcome and support more Chinese companies investing in Georgia, contributing Chinese expertise and strength to Georgia's and the region's development.

What economic impact can Anaklia port have on Georgia and China?

Anaklia Port is a crucial component of the "Middle Corridor," enhancing the stability of industrial and supply chains in the Eurasian region. It holds significant importance for China, Georgia, and neighboring countries. China, Georgia, Europe, and other regional stakeholders support the development of the "Middle Corridor," laying a strong foundation for its future growth.

Georgia's strategic location as a connector between Europe and Asia positions it to become a regional hub. Anaklia Port will enhance Georgia's cross-border transport capabilities, reinforcing its status in Eurasian trade and attracting international investments. China is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with Belt and Road Initiative countries, including Georgia and the European Union, to promote compatibility with the Middle Corridor, improve resource allocation, and boost regional economic, trade, and social development.

Is China interested in Georgia's plans to build a new airport in Tbilisi?

Georgia's favorable geographical location has attracted the attention of many Chinese companies. We hope to explore new cooperation opportunities in this project and other future endeavors.