Monday, May 22, Zurab Nogaideli met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Britain Rt. Hon John Prescott. At the meeting they discussed the key issues of mutual relations. The Prime Minister spoke about the ongoing reforms in Georgia. It was noted that the Government of Georgia paid special attention to reforms effected in judicial and local self-government systems. According to Zurab Nogaideli, a special Government Panel is established headed by the prime Minister which must develop a judicial and penitentiary system reform plan.
They spoke about the process of integration with NATO. The Prime Minister noted that upon successful completion of Individual partnership Action Plan, Georgia will wait for the next step of Georgia's integration. The process can be accelerated by support of the British party. According to Mr. Prescott, the United Kingdom supports integration of Georgia with Euro-Atlantic space.
In terms of the EU, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Government of Georgia was oriented on development of a plan taking into account the actual needs. Zurab Nogaideli expressed his content regarding the progress of the negotiations related to Georgia Action Plan of European Neighborhood Initiative. According to the Prime Minister, the possibility of Free Trade Agreement by and between Georgian and the EU is still on the Agenda.
Much attention was paid to settlement of the conflicts existing on the territory of Georgia. Zurab Nogaideli highlighted that the Government of Georgia considered only a peaceful way of the conflict settlement. They talked about the progress of settlement of the conflict in Tskhinvali Region. On its part, the English party confirmed its support of the Peaceful Plan of the Government of Georgia.
Monday, Zurab Nogaideli convened meetings with the representatives of business sector.
At the meeting with the General Director of Confederation of British Industry Sir Digby Jones they discussed the working terms and conditions of English business in Georgia. The Prime Minister spoke about the effected and ongoing reforms in the country and the investment environment created as the result of the said reforms.
English businessmen the part of which successfully carries out business in Georgia were present at the meeting. According to their appraisal, recently carrying out of business in Georgia became mush easier and attractive and following the tax reform carried out by the Government of Georgia introduction of home consumption and export - oriented production became admissible. It was noted that the Government of the country was taking active part in cooperation with business sector and supported it in every possible way. Mr. Jones hoped that positive experience of British businessmen acting in Georgia would significantly assist attraction of English capital in Georgia. It was planned to carry out particular events, in particular, it was decided that in the second half of the year a big group of English businessmen will arrive to Georgia. They study investment opportunities on-site.
Today Zurab Nogaideli's meetings with the Adviser of the British Prime Minister in Foreign Policy Sir Nigel Shinvald, the Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee Mike Gapes, the Chairman of Defense Committee James Arburthnot and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Northern Cabinet Rt. Hon William Hague are planned.
At the end of the day the Prime Minister will open the Exhibition of Georgian Enamel in London.
Georgian State Chancellery Press Center