The National Bank of Georgia [NBG] has obtained access to one of the world`s largest and most significant financial markets the China Interbank Bond Market [CIBM]. As a result, the NBG has joined a limited group of central banks that are permitted to operate in the CIBM.

The agreement on access to CIBM was reached within the framework of a memorandum signed with the People`s Bank of China during the official visit of the NBG delegation to China.

Under the agreement, NBG initiated active negotiations with the People`s Bank of China to secure access to the CIBM and to conclude the relevant contractual arrangements. On December 23, 2025, an agreement related to investment in the CIBM market was signed, under which the People`s Bank of China will provide the NBG with the core services necessary to conduct operations in the market, including trading, settlement, and bond custodial services.

In February of this year, accounts were opened for the NBG both with the People`s Bank of China and within the CIBM market`s depository infrastructure.

"The CIBM is one of the primary channels through which foreign institutional investors, including central banks, gain direct access to China`s bond market. Access to this market will enhance the investment capabilities of the NBG and contribute to the diversification of the international reserves portfolio, as well as to increasing the efficiency of risk management processes", - said NBG Governor Natia Turnava.

It is also noteworthy that further steps toward entering the new market will be implemented gradually and will be based on assessments of the market`s operational environment, settlement mechanisms, legal framework and risks.