2016-06-04
Potential of Georgian agricultural sector and its development perspectives were discussed at the meeting of the Prime Minister of Georgia with the representatives of the CNFA.
The importance of efforts undertaken by the CNFA during the past 10 years was paid particular attention to. It was noted that CNFA has undertaken 8 projects, including 3 ongoing ones. Via these projects, with the support of USAID and MCC and through cooperation with the Georgian government, the US government has provided aid to more than 430 agricultural enterprises thus creating more than 3500 working places. More than 140000 individuals have obtained relevant training. The sales turnover of Georgian enterprises amounted to 51 million USD.
Future cooperation issues have also been discussed. It was noted that the CNFA will continue its activities in Georgia and hope for expanding cooperation was expressed.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili congratulated Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CNFA John Costello on being awarded the Order of Golden Fleece and thanked him for supporting Georgian agriculture sector.
"We had a very fruitful meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia. He has a clear vision of future of Georgia and its economy. Giorgi Kvirikashvili has a very clear plan of development of private sector of Georgia. We hope that after ten years we will continue and enhance partnership here, in Georgia," - Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CNFA John Costello noted after the meeting.
Member of the Board of Directors of CNFA, former Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture Michael Espy also attended the meeting. Pursuant to him, Georgia has potential to develop sector of agriculture, preserve traditions and create new directions in this field.
"This is my first visit to Georgia. I am impressed - this is a country that manages to preserve traditions while concentrating on its future. At this stage, the future of Georgia, as well as its traditions, seems to be very bright. You managed to detach from your past and foster entrepreneurship. This is an area of expertise of our organization - we aim at cultivation of new directions in the agriculture and to foster existing potential and support private sector. This activity is related to the projects, part of which is financed by the government of Georgia. This is a proved and successful model and we try to replicate it here in Georgia," - Michael Espy noted after the meeting.
The meeting at the Administration of the Government of Georgia was attended by the members of the Board of Directors of CNFA, including John Costello, former Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture Michael Espy, former Minister of Agriculture David Kirvalidze, President of CNFA Sylvain Roy, Minister of Agriculture of Georgia OtarDanelia and the Secretary of the Economic Council Giorgi Gakharia.
Prime Minister's Press Office