Deputy Minister Genadi Arveladze noted that the first round of negotiations was successfully accomplished since the parties discussed such issues as trade in goods and services, rules of origin, customs procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers in trade. At the same time, a part of the negotiations was devoted to such important areas of economic cooperation covered by the Agreement as transport, energy and investments.

"The Republic of Korea is one of the largest markets in Asia characterized by high competition and purchasing power. Therefore, placing our export products in this priority market with a preferential trade regime will contribute to the competitiveness and diversification of our products. Our goal and desire is to successfully conclude the negotiations with the Republic of Korea already this year and the results achieved in the current round allow us to have relevant expectations. The Republic of Korea is a potential export market for agricultural products produced in Georgia, such as wine and alcoholic beverages, mineral and fresh waters, fruit and vegetable preserves and juices, nuts, and also for various industrial products. In addition, the Republic of Korea is very interested in Georgia as a tourist destination, which is evidenced by the significant increase in visitors from this country in recent years (191% increase). I believe that this Agreement will help Koreans to learn more about our country and to travel to Georgia, as well as to attract more businesses in investing in Georgia," – the Deputy Minister commented on the event.

Negotiations on Agreement on Economic Partnership are comprehensive and cover all areas related to trade, therefore representatives of the Ministries of Economy, Finance, Environment Protection and Agriculture, Foreign Affairs and Justice, as well as the representatives of the National Bank, Public Procurement, Competition Agency and Sakpatenti (National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia) participated in the negotiations.