The National Bank of Georgia reported that Governor Natia Turnava took part in an official meeting between Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and China’s Premier Li Qiang, and pointed to closer financial cooperation as a key strand of the broader bilateral agenda. The update focused on strengthening interbank cooperation, aligning payment systems, and supporting investment and development initiatives by Chinese banks in Georgia. Turnava noted that payment-system cooperation was highlighted as a priority by Premier Li Qiang and linked this to a memorandum of understanding signed by the central banks of Georgia and China at the beginning of 2025. Since that agreement, the National Bank of Georgia has maintained engagement with the management of China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), while Georgian banks are applying to become direct participants, which would enable yuan transactions without intermediaries. The parties also referenced cooperation across other areas, including work connected to the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor, and indicated that several further memorandums of cooperation were signed following the leaders’ meeting.
National Bank of Georgia 2025-11-04
National Bank of Georgia highlights Georgia–China payment-system cooperation and Georgian banks’ applications to join CIPS
The National Bank of Georgia announced enhanced financial cooperation with China, focusing on interbank collaboration, payment system alignment, and investment initiatives. Governor Natia Turnava highlighted a memorandum of understanding between the central banks of Georgia and China, facilitating Georgian banks' participation in China's Cross-Border Interbank Payment System. Additional cooperation areas include the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor, with further memorandums signed.