David Songulashvili meets with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food of the Kingdom of Spain, Luis Planas Puchades

Within the framework of the 93rd General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr David Songulashvili, met with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of the Kingdom of Spain, Mr Luis Planas Puchades.

During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for developing Georgia–Spain cooperation and opportunities to further enhance bilateral partnership in the agri-food sector.

“As Spain places agriculture at the core of its strategic priorities, while considering its substantial social, environmental, and economic significance, and as the agri-food industry represents one of the country’s leading sectors, we believe we have numerous opportunities to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation,” stated Minister Songulashvili.

Particular attention was given to enhancing the international visibility and positioning of Georgian wine. The Ministers also discussed the importance of sharing experience in marketing strategies, quality systems, and gastronomy, including the possibility of establishing joint working groups and perspectives for strengthening scientific and research cooperation.

As mentioned, the Agricultural Scientific-Research Centre of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia has been actively cooperating with Spanish companies in the fields of animal and plant production. Of particular significance is a joint project aimed at supporting the restoration of the endangered Kakhetian pig breed, as well as the production of ham and other meat products in Georgia and their export to international markets.

As emphasised, facilitating agri-food exports and imports represents an important direction of bilateral trade relations. The parties also highlighted that encouraging private sector engagement and investment will further strengthen agri-trade links and generate mutual benefits for both countries.

Georgia–Spain trade and economic relations continue to develop dynamically. In 2025, Georgia’s exports to Spain amounted to USD 27.7 million, while imports totalled USD 41.8 million. Georgia’s main export products include hazelnuts and hazelnut-based products, wine, and mineral water.

The Deputy Minister, Mr Lasha Avaliani, Head of the International Relations and EU Integration Department, Mr David Chitaishvili, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the French Republic, Mr Irakli Kurashvili, also attended the meeting.