Ningbo is one of China's major ports of import wine, the most popular alcoholic drink for Chinese . According to Ningbo Customs statistics, from January to February, 179.55 tons of Georgian wine was imported through Ningbo port, with a value of 2.429 million Yuan, which increased by approximately 6 times and 7 times year-on-year, respectively.

The rise in the import of Georgian wine is attributed to the favorable policies under China-Georgia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). As the bilateral FTA came into effect this year, 96.5% of all categries of products from China can be imported to Georgia duty free, which accounts for approximately 99.6% of Georgia's total imports from China, while China has exempted customs duties for 93.9% of all categries of products from Georgia, covering around 93.8% of China's total imports from Georgia.

China-Georgia FTA, the first free trade agreement concluded by China since the launch of the “Belt and Road” Initiative, is of great significance to China's implementing this Initiative and carrying forward the Free Trade Zone Strategy.

“This year we have expanded our sourse of suppliers in Georgia. Before the Spring Festival, we imported two consignments of Georgian wine, which sold well on the domestic market,” said Gong Sukai, Manager of Ningbo Kakhit International Trade Co., Ltd., “A large number of importers have taken advantages of the favorable policies provided by China-Georgia FTA, wishing to grasp this perfect business opportunity.” The mutually-beneficial arrangements will further boost the import of Georgian high-quality wine into Ningbo. Now, thanks to this FTA, the import tariff rate for Georgian wine has been reduced from 14% to zero, providing Chinese consumers with more options.

Ningbo Customs has also introduced such clearance facilitation measures as paperless declaration for goods under the preferential trade agreements, thus streamlining the clearance procedures. Meanwhile, the Customs provides enterprises with tailer-made services so that they can truely benefit from the policy. These services include policy outreach and Q&A sessions, etc.