Georgia to export some agricultural products to Türkiye at zero tariff

The Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development has said that Georgia and Türkiye have amended the free trade agreement, on the basis of which Georgia will be able to export certain types of goods at a zero tariff.

“Georgian Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili, and Turkish Trade Minister Mehmet Mus signed the document envisaging the changes to the free trade agreement between Georgia and Türkiye. Proceeding from this agreement, live cattle, beef, green tea, dried fruits, kiwi, lemon, canned tomatoes, and food ingredients will be exported from Georgia to Türkiye at a zero tariff within the quota,” TASS reports referring to the ministry.

Türkiye also decided to increase the import quota for Georgian wine, honey, and apples. The new treaty also includes trade in services. The changes to the free trade agreement between the countries were signed as part of the Diagonal Cumulation among Georgia, Türkiye, and the European Union - Trade and Investment Opportunities forum, which is being held in Tbilisi, the Ministry of Economy added.

The free trade agreement between Georgia and Türkiye has been in force since 2008. The countries have been negotiating since 2016 to change the document to further facilitate trade.

Türkiye is Georgia's biggest trading partner. According to the Georgian National Statistics Office, the trade turnover between the countries exceeded $1.5 billion in January-July 2022, which is 37.2 per cent more than in 2021.