GEORGIA KEEN TO INK FTA WITH MALAYSIA
Country pushing for investments in areas such as tourism and manufacturing
GEORGIA, a country in the southern Caucasus and located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, is keen on establishing a free-trade agreement (FTA) with Malaysia as there is huge growth potential in many areas.
Georgian Ambassador to Malaysia Nikoloz Apkhazava said Georgia had one of the most liberal foreign trade policies in the world, such as facilitated foreign trade and Customs procedures, low import tariffs and minimal non-tariff regulations.
“We have established an embassy in Malaysia and we are taking positive steps to enhance trade and investment, tourism and also other areas between Malaysia and Georgia,” he told NST Business recently.
He said Georgia’s integration into the world’s leading markets was one of its top priorities.
The country enjoys free trade with the European Union, Turkey and the Commonwealth of Independent States, European Free Trade Association and China.
“With these areas, Georgia has access to more than two billion consumers,” said Apkhazava, adding that the country had a welldeveloped logistics and railway system to transport goods across the borders.
Georgia established an FTA
With these areas, Georgia has access to more than two billion consumers. NIKOLOZ APKHAZAVA
Georgian Ambassador to Malaysia
with Hong Kong last month and signed an agreement at the Belt and Road Summit 2018, signalling the importance of interregional trade.
The country strives to become a key component in Belt and Road initiative. With major investments in its port infrastructure and industrial capacity, the country will become more attractive as a gateway between the East and West.
The country was pushing for investments in tourism, manufacturing, energy and transport, said Apkhazava.
“I have been meeting with people from Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) for potential businesses, especially in the areas of investments and energy,” he said, adding that the outcome was promising.
“We will also engage with Khazanah and TNB representatives in Turkey to talk about new business opportunities.”
Apkhazava has urged the Foreign Affairs Ministry to set up an embassy in Georgia as currently, affairs between Malaysia and Georgia are handled by the Malaysian embassy in Ukraine.