Georgia is Europe's natural gateway to Asia, as it is Europe's eastern most entry point both by land and sea. With its deep ties to the European Union, including the new Association and free trade agreements, Georgia is the traditional trade hub of the Caucasus and Black Sea region. As China's Silk Road Economic Belt extends across the Eurasian landmass, we in Georgia are well placed to connect two of the world's largest trading regions.

I am in China this week to further strengthen the connection between China and Europe that passes naturally through Tbilisi.

The Georgian government is proud of its increasingly close ties with China. In recent years, trade with and foreign direct investment from China has grown substantially. In 2014, China was our third-largest source of foreign direct investment.