In 2018 the Syrian government recognized the independence of Georgia’s breakaway regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia in a gesture of gratitude to its largest patron of late, Russia. Moscow-backed Abkhaz authorities opened an embassy in Syria on October 6, 2020. Recently, it was announced that the Georgian occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region will also open Damascus “embassy”.
The response of Georgian politicians in 2018 was severing diplomatic relations with Syria. Contrary to Georgian diplomats, the Georgian business community, presumably, tempted by over 17 million Syrian markets, took a more “pragmatic approach”. In 2020 Georgia increased exports to Syria by 500%, as compared with 2019.
The response of Georgian politicians in 2018 was severing diplomatic relations with Syria. Contrary to Georgian diplomats, the Georgian business community, presumably, tempted by over 17 million Syrian markets, took a more “pragmatic approach”. In 2020 Georgia increased exports to Syria by 500%, as compared with 2019.
Georgia exported products worth US$ 95, 000 to Syria during 2019. The product's value only in March 2021 is already 1.6 times higher than the one of the whole of 2019. As for 2020, exports to Syria from Georgia have set a record and reached US$ 569, 800.
In March 2021 only (no records for other months of the current year), products worth US$ 152,800 were exported from Georgia to Syria. The list of exported goods consists just of three products, which by value was as follows: tobacco products – US$ 148, 000; containers – US$ 2,600 and mineral waters – US$ 2,200.
Out of total US$ 569, 800 in 2020, with US$ 310, 000 hazel and other nuts was the top exported product to Syria. 50 tonnes of hazel and other nuts were exported in Syria last year. Nuts were followed by tobacco products – US$ 181, 000 and rubber pneumatic springs and tires – US$ 77, 700.
As for 2019, when export totaled US$ 95, 000 top exported products were: tobacco products, worth US$ 70, 500 and manganese oxides – worth US$ 20, 500.
