Georgian PM: we look forward to further strengthening Georgia-China partnership, advancing Middle Corridor

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze attended the opening of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, where Georgia is represented as a guest country of honour. Speaking alongside Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Kobakhidze emphasised that Tbilisi was “eagerly looking forward to the further strengthening” of the Georgia-China partnership, particularly in advancing the Middle Corridor as a “vital trade and transit route” between Europe and Asia.

In a post on social platform X, the Prime Minister underlined the “stable progress” in bilateral cooperation across trade, tourism, economy, technology and freight movement, expressing confidence that cooperation will continue to deepen.

Delivering remarks at the opening ceremony, Kobakhidze said China-Georgia relations were producing tangible results in infrastructure, logistics and investment, while strengthening Georgia’s role as a strategic connector between the two continents. He noted that major national projects - including the Anaklia deep-sea port, the East-West highway, the Black Sea submarine cable, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the planned expansion of Tbilisi International Airport - were all aligned with Georgia’s growing function within the Middle Corridor.

Kobakhidze welcomed the positive trajectory of Chinese business interest in the country. He said Chinese investment demonstrated significant growth in 2025, while tourism flows from China also surged. According to government figures, visits from China increased by 45% in the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the same period a year earlier.

“Georgia remains committed to promoting its tourism potential on the Chinese market and strengthening its position as an attractive tourism destination,” he stated, highlighting the government’s goal to further raise awareness of Georgia’s “diverse travel offerings” in order to draw more Chinese visitors in the coming years.

The Prime Minister said there was still “major potential” for broader economic cooperation, especially in sectors such as energy, transport, logistics and hospitality, where Chinese enterprises are encouraged to expand their participation.

Reflecting on Georgia’s economic progress, Kobakhidze referenced International Monetary Fund data showing that from 2021 to 2024 Georgia recorded one of the highest growth rates globally, averaging 9.7% annually. The IMF projected 7.2% growth for 2025, with a medium-term forecast averaging 5.1%.

“Despite global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, Georgia continues to serve as a stable and reliable pillar in the region,” he told the audience, emphasizing that strengthened cooperation with China will support continued economic development, connectivity and shared prosperity.

Kobakhidze praised the China International Import Expo as an important global platform for trade expansion, partnership building and innovation, promoting a “more open and sustainable global economy.” He said Georgia remained firmly committed to the values of long-term cooperation and mutual trust that underpin its ties with China.