As a critical bridge between Europe and Asia, Georgia plays an important role in regional trade connectivity and the Turkey-Georgia FTA ( Free Trade Agreement) is a key part of this partnership. It was signed in 2007 and entered into force in November 2008. The agreement eliminates tariffs on the majority of goods traded between the two countries, simplifies procedures and improves investment cooperation. It has boosted trade between the two countries, supported joint industrial projects, and helped establish Georgia as a key player in regional logistics.
In recent years, trade between the two countries has grown significantly. In 2024 the top trading partner for Georgia was Turkey (USD 3 228.4 million). The Turkey-Georgia FTA agreement helps with the flow of goods such as machinery, construction materials, electricity and agricultural products. It also lets Turkish exporters access the Caucasus and Central Asia through Georgian territory. Through its integration into modern Silk Road trade routes, Georgia relies on the FTA as a strategic platform for long-term economic gains.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is another pillar benefiting from the FTA. Turkey ranked among Georgia’s top investors in recent years: In 2023, Turkey’s FDI in Georgia amounted to USD 168.8 million, accounting for around 5.7% of the total FDI stock. Turkish contractors completed 304 projects in Georgia worth USD 5.6 billion as of mid‑2025, and over 2,200 Turkish‑affiliated firms operate in Georgia. These figures underscore the growing industrial cooperation and investment-driven linkages facilitated by the FTA.
For instance, in a decade, the export of agri-food products has indeed increased by 147%.This means that the amount of Georgian food that met above-said standards increased significantly, meaning more products could legally enter and compete in the EU market, reinforcing the strength of Georgia-EU trade.
The Turkey-Georgia FTA has laid the groundwork for deepening industrial cooperation. This is especially visible along the Batumi-Hopa corridor, where Turkish manufacturers and Georgian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) work together in sectors like textiles, food processing, and light machinery. Cross-border infrastructure has seen remarkable improvements under this agreement as well. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, co-developed by Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, is a key project that links European and Asian transport corridors through Georgian territory. Its initial freight capacity is 6.5 million tonnes per year, with plans to scale up to 17 million tonnes by 2030.
As of late 2019, the BTK line had already carried approximately 275,000 tonnes of freight, including container routes between China and Turkey. Aside from this, improvements at logistics centers and border checkpoints like Sarpi, have helped goods move more easily. These developments have positioned Georgia not just as a transit country, but as an active logistics platform, especially for Turkish firms seeking flexible access to Eurasian markets.
The Turkey-Georgia FTA stands as a model of industrial cooperation and integration. The companies are producing goods together under the agreement, which allows them to sell those products not just in Turkey, but also in many other markets Georgia trades with. This includes the DCFTA with the EU, and free trade deals with China and EFTA countries.
For SGBA members and global investors alike, the Turkey-Georgia FTA showcases Georgia’s ability to attract investment, deepen manufacturing partnerships and serve as a platform for high-value commerce. As Turkish enterprises deepen their presence in Georgia, SGBA is uniquely positioned to facilitate high-value engagement and ensure that emerging opportunities are strategically aligned and globally competitive. With Georgia serving as a link between Turkey, the EU and Asia, SGBA stands ready to guide premium partnerships that reinforce cross-border value chains and long-term regional growth.