2016-09-13
When foreign investors look at Georgia, they see a stable normative environment, low regulation, low taxation, low red tape, and high transparency business environment, - Prime Minister of Georgia noted in his welcoming speech at the Batumi Maritime Forum. According to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, attractive business environment of Georgia entailed significant surge of FDIs.
The head of the Government updated participants of the Forum on the political and economic environment in the country.
"Today we are reinforcing our position as valued and relevant partner of the Euro-Atlantic community. We have signed an Association Agreement with the EU and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement which came into effect just two months ago. Our relationship with NATO has deepened. And we continue to uphold our reputation as leading reformers in our part of the world. Our economy continues to offer a positive narrative of stable economic growth in a region that is experiencing a major slowdown, if not depression: in 2015 our economy grew by 2.8%; we estimate at least 3% growth for 2016," - Prime Minister explained.
The head of the Government elaborated on the Four Point Reform Agenda designed to ensure sustainable development and inclusive growth. Pursuant to him, ongoing reforms cover the tax system and capital markets, as well as the education, health, and pension systems.
Prime Minister also addressed Georgia's role as an emerging maritime transport hub. According to him, the maritime industry plays a crucial role for Georgia due to our location - Georgia serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Giorgi Kvirikashvili indicated that the Government's goal is to build Georgia into a prosperous transit country that leverages its geographic location as a vital crossroads connecting East and West, and North and South.
"Georgia's maritime sector has undergone tremendous changes to abide by the most recent and safest practices in the international transport sector. We have overhauled our seafarers' education and certification system. Georgia has been successful in IMO and European Maritime Safety Agency audits. Our national tonnage continues to increase with quality ships. Looking ahead, the Georgian government has an ambitious plan to construct a deep water sea port in Anaklia to accommodate large Panamax type vessels," - Prime Minister noted and emphasized efforts of Georgian Government to ensure protection of the environment including seas and oceans.
Prime Minister of Georgia awarded Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to Georgia in the field of international maritime issues Carmen Vassallo with the certificate of appreciation.
Intergovernmental agreements were signed during the International Maritime Forum.
The first International Maritime Forum was held in Batumi under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The event was hosted by the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development.
Prime Minister's Press Office