Authorities in Georgia have invited Chinese technology company Xiaomi to explore the possibility of establishing a local assembly operation, as Tbilisi aims to strengthen its role as a regional manufacturing and logistics hub.

The proposal was discussed during a visit to China by Mariam Kvirishvili, who held talks with Xiaomi executive Simon Du on potential areas of cooperation, The Caspian Post reports, citing Georgian media.

Kvirishvili explained that the initiative focuses on creating a CKD (Complete Knock-Down) facility in Georgia, where imported components would be assembled domestically. She noted that this approach could enable Xiaomi to take advantage of preferential trade arrangements and use Georgia as a base for exporting products to nearby markets.

She also proposed developing Georgia into a logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia, emphasizing its strategic position along key trade corridors. According to her, such a setup could support efficient distribution to the European Union, the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus, the Persian Gulf, and Central Asia.

Officials pointed out that Georgia and China share a strategic partnership, along with a free trade agreement and a visa-free regime, creating favorable conditions for Chinese investment. They also highlighted relatively low tax rates as an additional incentive.

During the visit, the Georgian delegation toured Xiaomi’s manufacturing facilities and examined its assembly operations, as both sides assessed practical aspects of potential cooperation.