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Georgian Finance Minister and First Vice Prime Minister Dimitry Kumsishvili says that Georgia has always been and will remain an integral part of the Silk Route.
Kumsishvili spoke today at a session on financial connectivity of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation being held by China on May 14–15, 2017 in Beijing.
Kumsishvili spoke in detail of the Georgian Government’s efforts to improve the country’s transport infrastructure.
Along with Kumsishvili, other officials participating in the same session included UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, Hungarian Minister of National Economy Mihaly Varga, Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Pakistani Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Executive Directors of the Asian Development Bank, China Development Bank and HSBC Holdings.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond (L), Georgian Finance Minister Dimitry Kumsishvili shake hands at the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China. Photo: Ministry’s press office.
Meanwhile, Georgian Economy Minister Giorgi Gakharia spoke at the forum’s session on trade connectivity. He stressed that Georgia is the first country in the region that has Free Trade Agreements with both the European Union and China.
“We believe that Georgia will play a significant role in developing Asian-European economic ties with its strategic location, well-developed transport and customs infrastructure, friendly policy and regional and international contacts”, Gakharia said.
![](https://i0.wp.com/sinomedia.ge/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/18491708_1381003928655929_2117975801545045812_o-1.jpg?resize=638%2C425)
Georgian Economy Minister Giorgi Kakharia participates in the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China. Photo: Ministry’s press office.
The Belt and Road Forum draws 29 foreign heads of state and government and representatives from more than 130 countries and 70 international organisations.
It is the premier diplomatic event in the year’s Chinese diplomatic calendar and the highest profile international event promoting the Belt and Road Initiative.
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