China-Georgia Free Trade Agreement opens door for zero-tariff exports to Chinese market, says Chinese Ambassador

Zhou Qian, the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, on Tuesday said that the free trade agreement between China and Georgia allowed Georgian wine and other agricultural products to enter the Chinese market with zero tariffs, creating significant opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries.

In an exclusive interview with Business Insider Georgia, Zhou highlighted the strategic sectors where Georgia and China could deepen collaboration, emphasising trade, clean energy, infrastructure, and the digital economy as key areas for partnership.

“Considering the economic complementarity between the two countries, China sees a relatively large potential for cooperation in the following areas: first, clean energy and green development. Georgia is characterised by mountainous terrain and abundant rivers and is one of the world leaders in hydroelectric resources per unit area. It is also rich in wind and solar energy, although electricity prices are relatively high. China’s clean energy industry is a global leader, ranking first worldwide in installed capacities for hydroelectric, photovoltaic, and wind energy, with a complete industrial chain and cost advantages. Within the framework of the ‘dual carbon’ goals, there is enormous potential for cooperation between the two sides in areas such as new energy, energy storage, and strengthening the electricity grid”, he said.

The Ambassador explained that the free trade agreement facilitated tariff-free access for Georgian wine and other agricultural goods, bolstering Georgia’s flagship industries.

“Second, trade in agricultural products and food processing. The free trade agreement between China and Georgia allows wine and other agricultural products to enter the Chinese market tariff-free. Wine is a flagship industry for Georgia, and China is already its fourth-largest export market. Georgian mineral water is performing very well on China’s e-commerce platforms. Additionally, in 2025, the two countries signed a protocol on the inspection and quarantine of Georgian honey and poultry exported to China, which will soon make exports possible. Georgia has abundant agricultural resources, while China leads in planting and cultivation technologies. The two countries can exchange expertise and deepen cooperation along the value chain in horticulture, livestock, and fisheries”, he continued.

The Ambassador also emphasised the prospects in infrastructure and logistics, noting Georgia’s strategic location in the Middle Corridor and its integration with the Belt and Road Initiative.

“Third, infrastructure modernisation and logistics cooperation. Georgia’s favourable geographic location allows it to actively participate in the development of the Middle Corridor’and align with the Belt and Road Initiative, implementing transport infrastructure projects such as highways, railways, ports, and airports. Chinese companies have demonstrated their infrastructure capabilities with clear advantages in technology, cost, and efficiency. They have successful experience in modernising Georgia’s railways, improving the E60 highway, and upgrading the North-South corridor. As Georgia establishes itself as a Eurasian logistics hub, infrastructure connectivity remains a long-term priority, creating broader opportunities for China-Georgia cooperation”, Zhou said.

Finally, he pointed to opportunities in the digital economy and artificial intelligence and highlighted that Georgia aspired to become a digital hub in Eurasia.

“Fourth, digital economy and artificial intelligence. Georgia aims to become the digital hub of Eurasia. China’s digital economy ranks second in the world, and its technologies and experience in areas such as smart cities, 5G, and artificial intelligence will support Georgia’s digital infrastructure development. Relevant authorities in both countries have signed memoranda of understanding on investment cooperation in the digital economy and AI collaboration, providing institutional guarantees for cooperation in these sectors. In addition, China has proposed creating an international friendship group under the UN focused on developing AI capabilities and welcomes Georgia to join in the near future”, the Ambassador concluded.