A ceremony was held at the Sadakhlo Customs Checkpoint on the border between Georgia and Armenia, during which the government of the People's Republic of China transferred X-ray inspection systems to the Georgian customs free of charge.

The ceremony featured speeches by H.E. Lasha Khutsishvili, Minister of Finance of Georgia and H.E. Zhou Qien, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China who discussed the importance of bilateral cooperation.

The event was attended by Deputy Finance Minister Ekaterine Guntsadze, Head of the Customs Department Zurab Sichinava, Head of the GRS International Relations Department Samson Uridia and representatives from the Revenue Service of Georgia (GRS) and the Chinese Embassy.

Guests were shown the baggage scanning process and customs procedures at the checkpoint.

The transfer of X-ray inspection systems to Georgia is the result of a long-term partnership between Georgia and the People's Republic of China. This project was implemented based on the Intergovernmental Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation signed on February 13, 2019.

As part of this cooperation, a total of seven X-ray inspection devices have already been installed at Georgia's borders.

In addition to Sadakhlo stationary inspection systems for railways and freight vehicles have been set up at the Kartsakhi Customs Checkpoint, and baggage X-ray inspection systems have been installed at important land crossings such as Kazbegi, Sadakhlo, Red Bridge, Ninotsminda and Sarpi.

“These X-ray inspection systems meet modern standards. This is a very important project, as it serves to ensure the security of Georgia's economic borders and the safe conduct of international shipments. In this regard, it is significant that the Revenue Service is equipping the customs checkpoints. In the coming weeks, an international tender will be announced for the purchase of X-ray scanners for four customs checkpoints, after which all customs checkpoints, including airports and ports, will be equipped with modern X-ray inspection systems,” stated H.E. Lasha Khutsishvili, Minister of Finance of Georgia expressing gratitude to the Chinese ambassador for their support.

“I am pleased to witness the implementation of this important project. China has always been a friend of Georgia, and now we are strategic partners. Within this framework, we have jointly worked on the concept of the Middle Corridor. In the future, the effective operation and transparency of the Middle Corridor will be very important. We believe that the customs inspection equipment produced with new technologies by a leading company in China will help improve the work of Georgia’s Customs Department. With increased efficiency and streamlined systems, the Middle Corridor will become even more popular, enhancing Georgia's logistics sector and benefiting all countries involved in this corridor. We are glad that China will be a participant in this process and a strong partner in ensuring the development of the Middle Corridor,” stated H.E. Zhou Qien, Ambassador of People's Republic of China.

As noted, such modern inspection equipment significantly enhances the capabilities of Georgia's customs, ensures the security of the global supply chain, promotes lawful trade, and strengthens the country’s transit potential.