Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili held a farewell meeting with LI Yan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Georgia.
The conversation focused on Georgia-China cooperation across a variety of areas, with special emphasis of trade, economic, and investment relations. The parties singled out significant progress in recent years and prospects of deeper interaction.
According to the Head of Government, China is among Georgia's top five trade partners, and the Free Trade Agreement with China contributes to growing trade, with the trade turnover between Georgia and China in 2021 increasing by 25% year-over-year to make up 1,480.5 million USD. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the next meeting of the Georgia-China Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation will be held in near future.
The Chinese diplomat underlined the importance of furthering these relations, including investment cooperation in Georgia's promising market. The parties also singled out dynamic growth in the tourism sphere spurred by direct flights between Georgia and China.
The Prime Minister once again thanked the Chinese Government for assistance in obtaining COVID-19 vaccines, also for continuous support in the directions of technology and grant projects, and wishing the Ambassador success in future endeavors.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Georgia reaffirmed China's support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Georgia, Li Yan, together with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, was invited to attend the official opening ceremony of Gardabani II Thermal Power Plant, constructed by China Tianchen Engineering Corporation, and deliver a speech. Natia Turnava, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Yuan Xuemin, President of China Tianchen Engineering Corporation and others have also attended the opening ceremony.

The Georgian side highly praised and expressed their gratitude towards Chinese constructors for their excellent quality projects completed at a record pace. Also, they pointed out, that Gardabani Thermal Power Plant is the largest cycle, energy-efficient power station in Georgia, which can meet 70% of average monthly electricity consumption in Tbilisi, improve the energy stability and security in Georgia. At the same time, it will create many job opportunities; contribute to the economic development of the country and peaceful life of its residents.

After the opening ceremony, Ambassador Li Yan and Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia visited the Power Plant and saw the equipment.

Chinese people respects the choice made by Georgian people to live in a unified Georgia" stated Li Yan, newly appointed Ambassador of the People's Republic of China at an introductory meeting with Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia today.

Madam diplomat focused on the support of China towards sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, inter alia through international formats.

Meeting held at the Government Administration of Georgia gave rise to discussions related to the prospects of intensified interaction between Georgia and China to cover both economic and people-to-people relations.

Growing inflow of tourists from China was positively viewed and noted that number of visitors has been increased by 50 percent in the first half of the current year. This indicator is expected to rise further by the end of 2019.

Positive trend of bilateral trade has been underlined. Attention was made on the significance of Georgia's participation in the China International Import Expo. It was thereby noted that it will be yet another annual opportunity given to the Georgian companies to showcase their output to Chinese investors.

Silk Road Forum has also been discussed at the meeting within the initiative of One Belt - One Road. Significant role of Georgia as a regional hub has been stressed towards this end.

Prime Minister's Press Office