From June 5 to 7, 2025, Prof. Zhao Minghao, Deputy Director of the Center for American Studies at the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University, visited Georgia to participate in the Tbilisi Development Forum at the official invitation of the Tbilisi City Government.

Distinguished speakers at the forum’s opening ceremony included Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian, and Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, renowned economist at Columbia University.

Prof. Zhao delivered a keynote address during the sub-forum on “Sustainable Economic Development,” where he engaged in dialogue with Zurab Sichinava, Head of the Georgian Revenue Service (Customs Department), and Levan Kakava, Head of the National Tax Administration.

In his speech, Professor Zhao emphasized that China’s economy is undergoing a dual transformation—toward greater environmental sustainability and digital-intelligent advancement. He noted that initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative are driving international infrastructure development, cross-border e-commerce, and digital innovation. He also highlighted the disruptive effects of the U.S.-initiated “tariff war” on the global economy, while underscoring the resilience of China’s manufacturing and export sectors. Despite tensions, economic and trade teams from China and the United States have made notable progress in dialogue and consultation.

Professor Zhao further elaborated on China’s recent efforts to promote cooperation among Global South countries and pointed to the vast potential for further growth in China–Georgia relations.

During the forum, Professor Zhao also exchanged views with other prominent participants, including former U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union Jack Matlock and Professor Richard Sakwa of the University of Kent, United Kingdom.

Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia in the South Caucasus region, Georgia has experienced robust economic growth in recent years—with annual GDP growth exceeding 9%—and places high strategic importance on enhancing ties with China.