Hualing Opens Largest Trading Center in the South Caucasus in Georgia

Hualing Tbilisi Sea Plaza, the largest trading center in the South Caucasus, was officially opened in Tbilisi on Saturday.

Around GEL 370 million ($150 million) was invested in the project, which will include around 400 shops.

Georgia’s Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, attended the opening ceremony and highlighted that China is one of the largest investors in the country, having also signed a Free Trade Agreement with Georgia.

“Georgia is the first country in our region to sign a Free Trade Agreement with China and I believe it is a historic agreement,” he stated.

Kvirikashvili thanked the Hualing Group for implementing the project. He also thanked the founder of the group and noted that Hualing Group is one of the largest investors in Georgia.

“In addition to this investment, we welcome that this group is investing in the Free Industrial Zone in Kutaisi, as well as in the financial sector and many other directions. We welcome that relations between Georgia and China are developing dynamically,” he stated.

The PM complimented the largest shopping center in the South Caucasus for being both comfortable and modern.

“I am confident this trading center will attract customers from the entire region. There are 400 shops and the most comfortable environment. Customers will be able to buy all they need in one place," he added.

Kvirikashvili also spoke about the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum to be held in Tbilisi in November.

"This forum will allow us to further strengthen relations between China and Georgia and enable business persons to discuss new projects, which, we believe, will be a guarantee of peace and stability in the region," he stated.

He noted Georgia’s important geographical location in the region, pointing to its attractive economic environment for foreign investments.

“China can always expect that Georgia will be a very trustworthy partner," the Prime Minister said.

The event was attended by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, the Tbilisi Mayor, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China and other officials.

Georgia and China finalized free trade negotiations by signing an agreement on May 13 in Beijing, China, which means that the world's largest market, which unites approximately 1.4 billion customers, will be opened to the goods and services of Georgia.

Thea Morrison