The main trends in Georgia"s trade policy and the priority areas of cooperation with the World Trade Organisation were discussed in a meeting between Genadi Arveladze, Deputy Economy Minister of Georgia, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

As Arveladze noted, the country had always stood out for its full implementation of the commitments undertaken within the framework of the WTO. He underlined that Georgia was actively participating in WTO initiatives aimed at strengthening the multilateral trading system.

“Georgia’s accession to the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a clear demonstration of our support for the multilateral trading system. This step further confirms Georgia’s continued engagement in the international efforts for the sustainable and responsible use of marine resources. We appreciate the collective efforts of WTO members in reaching this agreement and look forward to continuing cooperation toward its effective implementation.

Georgia is distinguished by its liberal foreign trade regime, simplified customs procedures, low import tariffs, and minimal non-tariff regulations. Moreover, the country continues to pursue the development of preferential trade agreements both within and beyond the region.

The free trade agreements that Georgia has signed with various major markets offer the country’s private sector - especially small and medium-sized enterprises - increased opportunities for access to high-quality markets with more than 2.3 billion consumers”, - said Genadi Arveladze.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala positively assessed the Georgian Government’s economic policy and the structural reforms implemented. The Deputy Minister invited her to attend the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum [October 22-23].