2015-12-28
Georgian Prime Minister-Designate Giorgi Kvirikashvili met with the Parliamentary and outlined the new government's priorities and goals.
During his remarks, Prime Minister-Designate Kvirikashvili reiterated that the new government will focus on Georgia's economic development and encouraging job creation, and that state strategies and action plans will reinforce these efforts.
"Stronger emphasis will be made on private business initiatives. The private business sector will be actively involved in all fields. All the projects where the private sector can be involved will be implemented by private entities and excluded from state intervention. This will be the principle and foundation of our Cabinet's approach towards the economy," stated Prime Minister-Designate Kvirikashvili.
Another key goal will be encouraging the development of entrepreneurship, including the implementation of financing programs for start-up businesses.
He continued, "It is strategically important goal, particularly as we have a lot of people in our country, including youth and students whose interesting ideas are dying as they fail to implement them. Therefore, in the scope of the Partnership Fund, we will set up the Fund of Initial Financing to finance start-up businesses, based on international experience. Particular emphasis will be placed on innovative projects led by students."
He highlighted the success of Georgia's tourism industry, noting that it has had a significant impact on job creation, and noted that the importance of continuing to expand and develop this sector and the service industry.
"We have an action plan for tourism development; however, we are going to invite international consulting companies to assist in the efforts. Our goal is to double the revenues received from tourism. Nowadays, this is GEL 3 billion income for those involved and there is a possibility to double these revenues as a result of targeted touristic programs over 2-3 years," noted Prime Minister-Designate Kvirikashvili.
The Prime Minister-Designate also answered questions on social assistance issues, visa liberalization, gasification process and judicial reform.
He reiterated his readiness for the new government to continue to cooperate with Parliament, and expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Garibashvili's vote of confidence.