China Celebrates 67th Anniversary
On September 29, at Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China organized the 67th anniversary of the foundation of Chinese republic. The reception was as sparkling and saturated with Chinese hospitality and generosity as ever, seeing various government representatives in attendance, headed by Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, as well as those from the diplomatic corps, business sector, and media.
Ji Yanchi, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China, made a welcoming speech, extending a greeting to all: “Sixty-seven years ago, the Chinese people waged an arduous struggle, fought hard in bloody battles to defeat the Japanese fascist aggressors and domestic reactionaries. In 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong declared the foundation of the People’s Republic of China. During the first 30 years, the Chinese people gradually established industrial and national economic systems, which laid a solid foundation for China’s modernization. In 1978, Mr. Deng Xiaoping determined the basic national policy of reform and China created “the Chinese Miracle” in the history of economic development. Today, China stands at a new historical starting point.”
The Chinese diplomat went on to highlight that under the leadership of Communist Party, with Secretary General Xi Jinping at its core, the Chinese people are following the program of the 13th Five-Year Plan that is to continue deepening the overall reforms, implement an innovation-driven development strategy, promote green development and fair sharing, expand opening up, and strive for the realization of the "two 100-year" goals and the “Chinese dream” of a great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Ambassador Yanchi described China as a growing global economic hub, recalling the successful G20 Hangzhou Summit at which the leaders of G20 member countries and eight guest countries, as well as the representatives of international organizations, adopted 28 specific action documents, together forming the “Hangzhou Consensus.”
“China is willing to expand the point of interest with other countries, promote a new model of international relations based on mutual beneficial cooperation, and promote the formation of an international community of common interests and shared future for Mankind,” the ambassador said.
Later on, referring to the Silk Road and the long history of bilateral friendship, he said, “China sees Georgia as an important partner for the “one belt, one road” initiative in the South Caucasus region. During recent years, the relations between China and Georgia have been developing rapidly.”
The free trade agreement negotiations between China and Georgia are concluded, with Chinese companies already having begun fruitful cooperation in the areas of transportation, energy, communications, finance, processing, mining, agriculture, and free industrial zones. China is recognized as one of the most important investors in Georgia and one of the largest importers of Georgian wine.
Prime Minister Kvirikashvili also commented on the long history of successful relations, stating that “the People’s Republic of China is a trusted partner for Georgia.”
Georgia is the first country in the South Caucasus to complete free trade negotiations with China.
“This historic agreement will facilitate business and trade turnover in both our countries and will benefit our citizens,” the PM said.
Maka Lomadze