Chinese Government provides a RMB 20 million grant — via an ETCA — in 2008 for the acquisition of railway inspection equipment (Linked to Record ID#67000)

Project narrative

On March 21, 2008, the Chinese Government and the Government of Georgia signed an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), in which the Chinese Government committed RMB 20 million ($2,836,000 USD) in grant funding to acquire and install railway inspection equipment (or a ‘container inspection system’) for the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia (captured by this project). Then, on December 29, 2009, the Chinese Government and the Government of Georgia signed another ETCA, in which the Chinese Government committed RMB 20 million ($2,928,000 USD) in grant funding for the same purpose and project (see linked Record ID#67000). The proceeds from these grants supported the provision and installation of 11 scanners (for hand luggage) and several other roentgen and X-ray scanners at security and customs checkpoints and terminals in Ninotsminda, Kazbegi, Guguti, the port of Batumi, the port of Poti, Kuleyi, Lagodekhi, Sarpi, and Adlia (all of which are either ports, railway stations, or major areas of cross-border traffic). The scanners allowed custom officers to check luggage without opening them. The project was carried out by Nuctech Company Limited. The various equipment installations occurred between February and December 2009. The project was ultimately completed on September 1, 2010. However, a formal project handover ceremony did not take place until May 30, 2011. This project reportedly increased the efficiency of customs checks of at the Port of Poti. Customs inspection work that would previously be completed in 3 hours using the old inspection system could now be completed in 3 minutes with the new equipment.