The Deputy Minister spoke in detail about Georgia’s political and economic reforms that have been implemented or are underway since 2014. According to Genadi Arveladze, one of the important constituent parts of the Association Agreement - the deep and comprehensive free trade space agreement still plays a key role in the process of forming the trade policy of Georgia, including the direction of increasing the export base, diversifying the export geography and attracting foreign investments. According to the Deputy Minister, the Government of Georgia is actively working in the direction of increasing the competitiveness of the local private sector, strengthening trade integration and using the potential of the country as an important transit hub. 

Speaking about foreign trade trends, Genadi Arveladze emphasized the fact that the correct policy of diversification of export markets reduced Georgia's dependence on the Russian market. According to him, the export of Georgian products is growing significantly in those countries Georgia has signed new generation free trade agreements with - for example, in the 8 months of 2022, exports to Russia increased by only 2%, to the European Union - by 46%, and to China - by 18%.

“In recent years, Georgia has successfully completed negotiations with the European Union to open up a number of Georgian animal products for export, but Georgia needs to show more of the so-called example of success in this direction. 

As for the importance of energy security for Georgia, the country is actively working towards the utilization and use of local energy resources, which will give it the opportunity to reduce its dependence on foreign energy carriers. The energy project of strategic importance envisages placing an energy cable on the seabed of the Black Sea and thereby connecting the energy infrastructure of Georgia and Romania. This project will be beneficial for both Georgia and the South Caucasus, as well as the EU countries,” - Genadi Arveladze said. 

The Georgian delegation, led by the Vice Prime Minister/Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Levan Davitashvili, took part in the Eastern Partnership Business Forum in the Czech Republic and held bilateral meetings with representatives of the Czech government and business circles.