Georgia hosted a ceremonial reception in Shanghai ahead of the international exhibition
25 May
On 25 May, in Shanghai, a large-scale event was held by the Georgian National Tourism Administration. The evening was dedicated to Georgia’s participation in the international tourism exhibition “ITB China 2026” with partner country status.
The event was attended by more than 700 leading representatives of the international tourism sector and media, along with the Ambassador of Georgia to the People’s Republic of China, Paata Kalandadze.
The main focus of the evening was the presentation of Georgian culture and traditions. Guests had the opportunity to taste traditional dishes and beverages, while the cultural program culminated in a performance by the Georgian State Ensemble of Song and Dance “Rustavi”.
The International Tourismus-Börse (ITB) was founded in 1966 and is today one of the most global platforms in the tourism industry. It traditionally brings together leading tourism companies, international experts, and sector leaders from around the world. This year, the international exhibition took place in Shanghai from 26-28 May.
The Chinese Premier congratulated Irakli Kobakhidze on Independence Day
26 May
On 26 May, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China sent a congratulatory message to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Independence Day.
In the official message, the head of the Chinese government emphasized the positive dynamics in the development of strategic partnership between the two countries and noted that cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative has already yielded fruitful results.
Li Qiang expressed readiness to further deepen ties between Beijing and Tbilisi through joint efforts and to elevate China-Georgia relations to a qualitatively new and higher level. At the end of the message, the Chinese Premier wished prosperity to Georgia and happiness to the Georgian people.
ITB China 2026 opened in Shanghai with a Georgian stand
26 May
At Asia’s leading tourism forum, ITB China, Georgia is participating this year with partner country status. The exhibition is taking place from 26-28 May.
The official opening ceremony of the Georgian national stand was attended by Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Irakli Nadareishvili, Deputy Minister of Culture Giorgi Mirtskhulava, and Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration Maia Omiadze.
Georgia’s exhibition space covers 400 square meters and presents the country’s nature, rich culture, and tourism potential in an integrated context. In the special pavilion, around 30 Georgian companies are already holding meetings with Asian partners to establish new business connections.
For exhibition visitors, interactive spaces have been arranged: masterclasses in Georgian calligraphy and crafts are being held, replicas of unique museum collections are displayed, while culinary shows of traditional dishes and Georgian wine tastings are also taking place, aimed at increasing the country’s visibility in the Chinese market and attracting new tourist flows.
Meetings of the Georgian delegation with global tourism leaders
27 May
On 27 May in Shanghai, within the framework of ITB China, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Irakli Nadarashvili and Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration Maia Omiadze held a high-level bilateral meeting.
The Georgian delegation met with Sumer Wong, Regional Marketing Director of Trip.com, as well as David Ruetz, Senior Vice President of Messe Berlin.
The meetings focused on strengthening Georgia’s tourism potential in Asian and Chinese markets and increasing international visibility. The sides also discussed cooperation prospects in marketing campaigns, aimed at promoting future growth in tourist flows to the country.
ITB China 2026 concluded in Shanghai
28 May
On 28 May, the large-scale Asian tourism exhibition held in Shanghai concluded, where Georgia participated with partner country status at ITB China 2026.
Over three days, the Georgian National Tourism Administration organized presentations and B2B meetings showcasing the country’s tourism potential, culture, gastronomy, and wine.
The Georgian delegation, consisting of around 30 public and private sector organizations, held more than a thousand business meetings with foreign partners.
Auto Import Georgia becomes official representative of Chinese platform Guazi.com
29 May
Georgian auto-import company Auto Import Georgia has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with the Chinese automotive platform Guazi.com and became its official representative in Georgia.
As a result of the agreement, Georgian users will have direct access to China’s used car market. According to the company, the partnership will significantly expand the range of vehicles imported from China to Georgia.
In recent years, Chinese cars, especially electric and hybrid vehicles, have become significantly more popular in Georgia. Market experts believe that direct cooperation with a Chinese platform will increase competition in the Georgian car market and create more diverse options for consumers.
Guazi was founded in 2015 and is today considered one of China’s leading used car platforms, operating in both domestic and international markets.
Professor Marine Jibladze elected to the Standing Council of the World Chinese Language Teaching Association
30 May
Marine Jibladze, Director of the Confucius Institute at Free University of Tbilisi, sinologist and professor, has been selected as a member of the Standing Council of the World Chinese Language Teaching Association.
The decision was made on 30 May at the association’s congress held in China. Marine Jibladze is considered one of the pioneers of Chinese language teaching in Georgia. Under her leadership and authorship, numerous textbooks have been created to help students learn the language.
The Confucius Institute at Free University, which she leads, has been operating since 2010 and promotes Chinese language and culture in Georgia.
“Villa Mosavali” plans entry into the Asian and Chinese market
31 May
Georgian wine producer “Villa Mosavali” plans to enter the Asian market, particularly China, and is currently in active communication regarding this, said the company’s general manager Nikoloz Sheqriladze on 31 May.
Speaking to BM.GE, Sheqriladze noted that demand and exports for the brand’s products are growing, supported by both targeted marketing campaigns and this year’s good harvest.
“Villa Mosavali” has been operating since 2018 and has been actively exporting since 2021. The brand owns 110 hectares of vineyards in Kakheti, Kartli, and Imereti and produces 150,000 bottles of wine annually.
Xi Jinping: “China and Azerbaijan are comprehensive strategic partners”
25 May
On 25 May, Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping sent an official congratulatory letter to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The Chinese leader congratulated his Azerbaijani counterpart and the people of the country on Independence Day.
In his message, Xi Jinping emphasized the ties between the two countries and noted that China and Azerbaijan are comprehensive strategic partners. Xi also stated that he attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations and expressed readiness to work with Ilham Aliyev to maintain the dynamics of high-level ties, which will serve the well-being of both peoples.
At the end of the letter, the Chinese leader wished progress and strengthening to friendly Azerbaijan, and happiness and peace to its people.
Reception held in Beijing on Azerbaijan’s Independence Day
25 May
On 25 May, Sun Linjiang, Special Representative of the Chinese Government for Eurasian Affairs, attended a reception dedicated to Azerbaijan’s Independence Day upon official invitation and met Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to China, Bunyad Huseynov.
During the meeting, Sun Linjiang noted that thanks to the strategies of Presidents Xi Jinping and Ilham Aliyev, China-Azerbaijan relations are rapidly developing and producing fruitful results in various fields. He added that the Chinese side is ready to further deepen bilateral ties.
For his part, Ambassador Huseynov stated that the friendship and mutual trust between the presidents of Azerbaijan and China form a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations.
The ambassador also confirmed Azerbaijan’s readiness to further deepen cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative, which will bring tangible benefits to both peoples.
Wang Yi meets Jeyhun Bayramov in New York
26 May
On 26 May in New York, during a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.
According to the Chinese side, the talks focused on deepening political dialogue, expanding economic cooperation, and developing joint projects within the Belt and Road Initiative.
In this context, the sides discussed trends in trade and economic ties as well as potential cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and transport sectors.
According to official statements, both countries describe their partnership as a steadily growing and strategically important relationship based on mutual trust and long-term cooperation.
Chinese business delegation visit to Yerevan
25 May
On 25 May, a large Chinese business delegation visited Yerevan, bringing together leaders of Belt and Road Initiative platforms and representatives from various sectors.
The Chinese delegation met with representatives of “International Business Relations” (IBRS), where the sides discussed joint projects, the investment environment, and strengthening bilateral economic and technological ties. IBRS stated that China is a strategic market for Armenia, offering local producers significant opportunities to expand exports and enter the global arena.
This visit coincides with a sharp increase in trade turnover between the two countries: according to Statistics Committee data, in the first quarter of 2026 trade between Armenia and China increased by 19.6% reaching $701.7 million. During this period, Armenian exports grew 2.3 times to $251.3 million, while imports decreased by 6.1%. The current Chinese business mission aims to strengthen this new, growing dynamic.
Confucius Institute directors’ training program successfully completed
25 May
Organized by the China International Chinese Education Foundation and hosted by Xiamen University, the first half of 2026 Confucius Institute Chinese director training course concluded on 25 May.
Fifty-five future directors from 49 partner universities of China participated in the 12-day intensive program and will soon begin work in 38 countries worldwide.
During the training, participants studied institute management, cross-cultural communication, the role of artificial intelligence in language teaching, and crisis management. At the graduation ceremony, the new leaders expressed readiness to promote cultural dialogue and high-quality development of international Chinese education.
The Secretary-General of the foundation, Zhao Lingshan, emphasized the leading role of directors in organizational development and noted that in the new era maximum initiative, analytical thinking, and effective management are required, for which the foundation provides continuous support.
Tashkent signs investment agreements worth over $3.5 billion in China
28 May
On 28 May, the Tashkent delegation signed investment agreements worth more than $3.5 billion with partners at the Uzbek-Chinese interregional forum held in the city of Xi’an, China.
The sides discussed urban infrastructure, transport, construction, environmental protection, and industrial projects, with special emphasis on the development of public spaces, transport systems, and engineering solutions.
At the same time, agreements worth $130 million were signed for the development of the industrial zone “Yangi Avlod”, involving companies Jwise, Zhongke Honghu, CAS Cloud, and UMGG. The project aims to introduce production-technological infrastructure and modern management systems.
Within the forum, export contracts were also signed, including $150 million worth of Uzbek jewelry supplies, while additional planned exports include $5 million of cotton yarn and $1 million of silver concentrate.
Tashkent-Samarkand new highway to be built with $2.185 billion investment
28 May
On 28 May, the tender for the construction of a new 282-kilometer highway connecting Tashkent and Samarkand in Uzbekistan was completed. A Chinese company was declared the winner.
According to Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov, the preparatory stage of the project has already been completed. The contract is expected to be signed in June, and construction work will begin in July this year. The new highway will pass through four regions and is planned to be implemented in four stages. The first section, Tashkent-Syrdarya, will be put into operation earliest.
85% of the project’s total cost is financed by foreign creditors, including three Chinese banks: China Development Bank, Exim Bank of China, and Bank of Communications. The remaining 15% will be covered by the state budget of Uzbekistan. Additionally, a one-year loan of approximately $200 million is being considered to ensure uninterrupted financing.
By order of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, project quality will be monitored by an independent international company. It is also planned that road usage tariffs will be determined taking into account the population’s affordability.
China remains the leading importer in Uzbekistan
31 May
China maintained its position as the largest source of imports in Uzbekistan’s foreign trade in the first four months of 2026, Trend News Agency reported on 31 May, citing data from Uzbekistan’s National Statistics Committee.
In the January-April period, the country’s total imports reached $16.3 billion, reflecting growing demand for industrial equipment, consumer goods, raw materials, and technological products. According to the data, China remains Uzbekistan’s main source of imports.
Analysts say this distribution of imports reflects Uzbekistan’s ongoing modernization process and its increasing dependence on global supply chains, alongside its efforts to expand the range of trade partners.
