Russia-Georgia Trade Surges, New Council to Coordinate Market Entry

Trade turnover between Russia and Georgia rose by 50 percent, reaching 2.5 billion in 2022, according to the Russian Federation Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). This growth signals a notable shift in bilateral commerce and reflects a stronger cross-border dynamic that has attracted attention from business circles on both sides. The expansion occurred amid a broader context of evolving trade patterns, with both nations seeking to diversify their commercial ties despite geopolitical pressures. The CCI highlighted that the increase was accompanied by a rising interest from Russian enterprises in the Georgian market, driven by Georgia’s strategic location, competitive logistics, and reforms designed to simplify trade procedures for foreign buyers and sellers. The data suggests that Russian companies are recalibrating their export strategies and seeking new distribution channels within Georgia to tap into local consumer demand and regional transit routes. In this climate, a formal channel for cooperation has taken shape through a newly established Russian-Georgian business council within the Chamber, aimed at coordinating market-entry efforts and facilitating direct engagement between business communities. (Source: Russian Federation Chamber of Commerce and Industry)