Bishkek: Georgia has signed a declaration to begin negotiations on the CAREC Partnership Agreement on Trade and Investment Facilitation (CARTIF), the Ministry of Economy said, Trend reports. Deputy Economy Minister Gennady Arveladze signed the declaration during the 24th Ministerial Conference of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program.

According to Trend News Agency, the agreement aims to promote trade in goods and services across the CAREC region, reduce non-tariff barriers, and advance digital trade. Negotiations on CARTIF are expected to start by 2026. Arveladze stated that Georgia views the launch of these talks as a step toward expanding export opportunities. He emphasized the government’s priority in diversifying export markets and concluding free trade agreements to allow Georgian products and services to enter more countries under preferential regimes.

Arveladze noted that Georgia currently has free trade agreements with only part of the CAREC countries. He believes that coop
eration under CARTIF will ease the process for Georgian producers to access more markets. The initiative is expected to simplify trade among participating states, attract investment, and create a more competitive regional market.

On the sidelines of the conference, CAREC members signed a memorandum of understanding on developing regional tourism. This initiative aims to deepen cooperation and position the region as an integrated, high-value destination. The CAREC ministerial meeting is held annually, bringing together senior officials to endorse strategic plans, review financing mechanisms, and discuss priorities across regional programs.