2016-06-15
"Trade and Business with Georgia" - Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, who is paying an official visit to the Federative Republic of Germany, opened Georgia-Germany Business Forum that started in Berlin.
The main issues due to be discussed at the Georgia-Germany Business Forum are as follows: Georgia's attractive, stable business environment and investment opportunities.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili informed the participants of the Forum, representing about 130 Georgian and German business societies, on the potential of Georgia, as the leading reformer country in the region. According to the Prime Minister, Georgia has made important steps forward towards the European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
"Georgia is firmly committed on the path towards the integration with the European Union and the North-Atlantic Alliance. We have made significant progress in the implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU and in the near future we are expecting to get visa liberalization. The Georgia-EU Association Agreement will open new opportunities. Later this month, we will sign a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association, "the Prime Minister said.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili focused on the strengthening of trade and economic ties with the Federative Republic of Germany and on the significance of attracting investments, underlining the readiness of the countries to enhance economic co-operation. As the Prime Minister stated, the direct foreign investments have been considerably increased during the recent years. Giorgi Kvirikashvili also spoke about the country's economic rating, and underlined that Georgia offers the investors significant opportunities - free and open economy.
"Today investors and tourists see Georgia as a stable and hospitable country and the most rapidly growing economy. Our success is founded on three major principles - economic development t, security and democracy. According to the rating of the World Bank, Georgia is a top performer on the ease of Doing Business and is ranked 9th among the countries with the lowest tax rates in the world. All the major credit rating agencies consider us stable. We believe promoting internal economic development goes hand in hand with attracting investment. My Government has adopted a Four Point Reform Agenda designed to ensure long-term sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Reforms will cover the tax system, capital markets, the education and health systems and pension reform. In all of this, you can see the Government's commitment to creating a modern, educated, and healthy Georgian workforce that is ready to compete in the global economy," the Prime Minister noted.
While delivering his speech, Giorgi Kvirikashvili focused on Georgia's historically strategic role in the region. Georgia, which has recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of restoration of its independence, has transformed from the country affected by the totalitarian regime into the modern, democratic and dynamically developed state.
"Our country has historically played an important strategic role in the region and today our role, as the regional centre, attracts investors to Georgia. The ease of Doing Business, stability and the rule of law in Georgia, as well as our partner relations with the neighbours make Georgia a remarkable place in terms of doing business among the countries of the Caucasus, Middle East, Turkey and even Russia", the Prime Minister said.
Georgia-Germany Business Forum is organised by the EU-Georgia Business Council (EUGBC) with the support of the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The Forum was attending by more than 100 German and 30 Georgian companies representing the sectors of transit of goods, logistics, construction, telecommunications, tourism, agriculture, production, as well as legal, financial and bank services.
In conclusion, the Georgian win Expo and photo exhibition was held.
Prime Minister's Press Office