The Kazakh-Georgian Economic Union has issued a special statement expressing concern over the mistreatment of Kazakh citizens visiting Georgia, warning that such incidents risk damaging bilateral economic and cultural ties.
In the statement, circulated by Business Partner, the organization highlights a rise in negative experiences faced by Kazakh visitors, particularly in the service sector. Reports describe inappropriate and offensive behavior encountered in restaurants, financial institutions, minibuses, and other public spaces. There is also growing concern over Kazakh citizens being denied entry into Georgia for "unclear or inadequate" reasons, accompanied by degrading or improper questioning by border officials.
“We want to clearly and unequivocally state: any form of humiliating treatment, unjustified refusal, or disrespectful attitude toward foreign citizens is completely unacceptable,” the union said, noting Kazakhstan’s long-standing historical, cultural, and strategic economic ties with Georgia.
Kazakhstan is one of Georgia’s key trading partners. In 2024, Georgian exports totaled $6.5 billion, with Kazakhstan accounting for $860 million—or 13%—of that figure, primarily through automobile exports. Kazakh investments in Georgia between 2006 and 2025 exceeded $350 million, playing a significant role in the economy. Additionally, Kazakh tourism to Georgia is among the fastest-growing, contributing to a sector that accounts for approximately 7–8% of Georgia’s GDP.
The union called on Georgian citizens, businesses, and state agencies—particularly border officials—to act professionally, respectfully, and in accordance with the law to avoid reputational damage, the risk of a tourist or economic boycott, and to support the continued deepening of bilateral relations.
The Kazakh-Georgian Economic Union, which includes major companies such as Halyk Bank Georgia, Rompetrol Georgia, Batumi Oil Terminal, and Capitol Management, reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate with state institutions to address the issue and develop effective solutions.
“Our goal is to promote the deepening of economic relations between Georgia and Kazakhstan, built primarily on human relations, mutual respect, and open, positive cooperation,” the statement concluded.