New chapter in Armenian–Georgian economic relations: GABA Business Association launches in Yerevan

The Armenian–Georgian economic partnership is entering a new, more practical phase. The Georgian-Armenian Business Association (GABA) has officially launched its activities in Yerevan with the support of CARE Caucasus’s “Her Power, Her Future” economic security program.

GABA was established as a regional platform to strengthen trade ties between Georgia and Armenia by supporting cross-border market entry and business expansion. It is set to become a bridge between the nation’s business communities, providing practical support and fostering dialogue between the public and private sectors, to promote investment, trade, and knowledge exchange.

Speaking to reporters, GABA Founder and Director Lali Svimoniya noted that she brings over 13 years of experience in Armenia’s banking sector to her current role leading the association, which aims to unite the Armenian and Georgian business communities. 

“While around 600 Armenian companies operate in Georgia, only about ten large Georgian companies are currently represented in Armenia. This is a significant gap, but at the same time a major opportunity for Georgian businesses to expand to the rapidly growing Armenian market,” she noted. More than 20 Georgian companies have already expressed interest in the Armenian market, she noted, including those in logistics, construction, consulting, banking, and AI sectors.

GABA will maintain an active presence in both markets. Representatives from leading Georgian companies, hosted in Yerevan, have already met with their Armenian counterparts to explore and discuss specific areas of cooperation. 

Lali Svimoniya is confident that this direct engagement will lay the foundation for long-term partnerships, with established ties evolving into significant, large-scale business collaborations between the two nations.

Armenia's Deputy Minister of Economy, Liliya Sirakanyan, presented recent trade data at the event, noting a period of rapid expansion. Bilateral trade turnover reached $52 million in January 2026, while Armenian exports to Georgia saw an increase of over 70%. The Deputy Minister noted that the association is a key step toward institutionalizing bilateral relations. 

“We are confident that this will become an effective platform for facilitating market entry, promoting partnerships, and strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises. The Government of Armenia remains committed to improving the business environment, attracting investments, and expanding regional cooperation. The initiatives launched today will pave the way for new investments, new partnerships, and joint growth,” she stated.

Within the framework of the program, two thematic panel discussions were held, focused on cross-border business development and market integration. The first panel, 'Women-led Business: From Local Impact to Regional Markets,' was followed by a discussion on 'Practical Aspects of Market Entry Between Georgia and Armenia: Challenges and Solutions.' Speaking at the event, Nino Bolkvadze, Executive Director of CARE Caucasus, noted that the 'Her Power, Her Future' program has been supporting women entrepreneurs across Georgia and Armenia for five years.

“We also strongly support the development of cross-border trade, as well as economic cooperation between Armenia and Georgia. We have organized this event to bring together policymakers, the business community, and industry representatives to foster dialogue, border cooperation, and trade between these two South Caucasian nations,” noted Nino Bolkvadze, Executive Director of CARE Caucasus.

Launched in September 2022, the “Her Power, Her Future” program supports the economic empowerment of women in rural communities across Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan by expanding their opportunities in entrepreneurship, cross-border trade, and business networking. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by CARE Caucasus in partnership with other organizations.

Several cooperation agreements were signed during the Yerevan launch of the Georgian-Armenian Business Association. The founders are convinced that amid regional challenges, the establishment of the Association is a significant step toward a unified, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic ecosystem.