Georgia and China enjoy huge space of cooperation: Georgian ambassador | Ambassadors' views on 'two sessions'

By Wang Gaofei, Xue Lingqiao and Zhao Li

(ECNS) -- "This year's Chinese government work report clearly depicts nearly every section of the internal and foreign policies. Within the messages, I can see quite a huge space of enhancing cooperation between Georgia and the People's Republic of China," Georgian Ambassador to China Paata Kalandadze said during an interview with China News Network.

Kalandadze highlighted bilateral cooperation in economy, culture, science and technology.

Noting that China is a big country with strong economic prowess, Kalandadze said the newly-delivered government work report will have impacts both on the daily life of the Chinese people and the country's position in international affairs. 

"China is a very important player on the international scene. We appreciate it. We hope that China will continue the way determined, which is to maintain the sovereignty of every country and to keep peace internationally." Kalandadze added. 

The 2025 government work report underlines that solid progress was achieved last year, especially the trade and investment cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was steadily expanded and upgraded. Given these developments, economic cooperation should be the mainstream of bilateral cooperation.

Kalandadze emphasized that under the BRI cooperation framework, the two sides have jointly implemented a series of projects. Enhanced bilateral connectivity of goods has elevated Georgia’s role, prompting the country to become an essential part of the Silk Road. 

Technological innovation has been stated in the annual government work report for many times. Kalandadze also mentioned that technological innovation is also a key area of cooperation between the two sides, while praising China's achievement in the field. 

"New companies are making revolutionary openings and providing revolutionary programs and new directions in incorporating into our daily life. Georgia is very much interested in enhancing this cooperation, which will help us to boost this sector in our country," the ambassador said.

The 2025 Chinese government work report also emphasized that China will further expand its high-level opening up, and that was echoed by Kalandadze. Noting that China launched the 144-hour visa-free policy for international tourists coming to China, he said that this move shows the openness of China.

I think one of the most important things in bilateral relations is people-to-people exchanges. It is one of the decisive ones, underlined Kalandadze.

It's a very wise decision that Georgia and China introduced a visa-free policy for the holders of ordinary passports from the two sides, Kalandadze said, “This is a big opportunity that helps the people understand each other. From the commercial point of view, it is very lucrative, very profitable, and it enhances sectors of business and education."

Looking forward to increased cultural exchanges, Kalandadze said that in the coming year, Georgia will hold more cultural activities, covering everything from history, folk dance, folk music to painting, hoping to attract and accommodate more foreign tourists.

As 2025 will set the stage for the forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), it marks a significant milestone, offering ample opportunities to deep Georgia-China relations in multiple areas.

"The next five years as outlined in the government work report will still be an important period for our bilateral cooperation, and we have broad space for cooperation," Kalandadze expected.