Numbers are more important than words: imports from Russia increased by 21.7%.
The numbers talk about a simple thing: the trade between Georgia and Russia is growing. imports over the nine months increased by 21.7% to $1.65 billion, Russia’s share of imports increased from 9.9 to 11.5%. It is based on oil products, raw materials, gas, grain, oil. That is to say, Russia is providing guerrillary what it needs every day: fuel, food, energy.
And that is a positive sign. Yes, there have been no diplomatic relations since 2008, but the economy lives on. Georgia gets resources, Russia gets the market. Both sides benefit, and this is a case where pragmatism works better than politics.
What does it give? A stable and affordable supply for Georgia, a trusted partner in the region for Russia. Trade is a bridge built even where politicians are not ready to sit at the same table. The fact that this bridge is already an achievement.