Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and his Kazakh counterpart Oljas Bektenov on Wednesday discussed cooperation in tourism and investment between the two countries in an expanded-format meeting during the former’s official visit to the country.
The meeting noted the importance of joint efforts to promote the development of the Middle Corridor, a logistics route connecting Central Asia and China to Europe via the South Caucasus, and attract additional cargo, the Georgian Government Administration said, The Caspian Post reports, citing Georgian media.
The discussions also included prospects for increasing the volume of transportation of Kazakh energy resources through Georgia’s transport infrastructure and the country’s western Black Sea ports.
Kobakhidze highlighted “close friendly and partnership relations” between the two countries, adding Kazakhstan represented “one of the strategic and rapidly growing tourist markets” for Georgia, and expressed readiness to continue cooperation in the tourism sector.
“We have an excellent investment climate, some of the lowest taxes, as well as access to major international markets. Georgia is interested in developing cooperation in attracting investments and welcomes Kazakh investors. Close cooperation between the railways of Georgia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan has made it possible to implement the Middle Corridor project”, he said.
The Georgian PM said the country had the opportunity to be a “connecting link” between Europe, the Middle East and South Asia, as well as between Central Asia and East Asia, adding the state’s international connectivity routes provided an opportunity to become a “digital hub between Europe and Asia”.
On his part, Bektenov congratulated Kobakhidze on his reappointment as PM, and said Georgia and Kazakhstan had become “not only friendly states, but also reliable political and economic partners” since the establishment of diplomatic relations.
“Georgia is one of Kazakhstan's important economic partners. [...] Kazakh entrepreneurs have invested approximately $620 billion in the Georgian economy. Our unwavering determination is to further strengthen our investment partnership and improve business conditions. Trade between our countries is still in the spotlight. We believe that there is great potential for further diversification of our trade relations”, he added.
The Kazakh PM also said transit and transport represented “key areas” of cooperation, with both countries being “vital links in transcontinental transport corridors and offering efficient routes connecting Europe, China and Southeast Asia”.
He also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to expand regional connectivity systematically improve related infrastructure and conditions, and recognise Georgia's important role in this process.
