2016-09-24
Grape processing and brandy spirit distillation plant of international standards was opened in the village of Velistsikhe. Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili attended the opening ceremony of the factory that is owned by the company "Kakhetian Traditional Winery" (the KTW) and is equipped with modern technologies and machines.
The head of the Government examined newly opened venture and addressed the attendees of the event. Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked the founder of "Kakhetian Traditional Winery" Zurab Chkhaidze for important investment projects administered in Georgia.
"As you may know, Georgia is widely perceived as a cradle of winery and it is truly fulfilling that Kakhetian Traditional Winery under the guidance of Zura Chkhaidze, is implementing such patriotic projects. These projects are truly patriotic - when seeing this area, one can observe wine plant operating in full compliance with the traditions and new alcohol distillation factory was established today with an aim of creating wealth in our country. Local residents will be employed here, thus motivating many farmers to cultivate wine and grow high-quality grape of modern standards to later sell the harvest," - Prime Minister noted.
According to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, implementation of the agricultural projects was launched in 2012 by the Government of Georgia under the initiative of Bidzina Ivanishvili. Respective efforts have already bore some tangible fruit.
"Georgian man has returned to village. I know many young people who decided to go back to rural areas and open various types of ventures including enterprises processing wine or livestock products and this process will continue, since it has no alternative. Various types of free trade agreements were mentioned here and I can say with a sense of achievement that the Free Trade Agreement operating with Europe is a part of Association Agreement signed with the EU. Export to Europe is growing, whereas the Russian market was also opened. This is a welcoming fact, since respective market is quite important to our country," - Prime Minister indicated.
According to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Georgia's wine exports to China have grown significantly. The head of the Government considers that Georgia is gradually becoming an export country.
"Georgia is gradually becoming a truly export country and this is true not only in terms of wine, but also in the light of increasing brand awareness. Various agricultural products are gradually included in the list of exported goods and this is something we shall be proud of. I would like to thank the Bank of Georgia and banking sector at large for demonstrating immense support to the program "Produce in Georgia and grasping its importance," - Giorgi Kvirikashvili noted.
Construction of the new factory of KTW was launched in 2015. Processing capacity of the plant equipped with stainless steel tanks and refrigeration facilities is 15 thousand tons of grapes. 7 million GEL was invested in the new venture with the support of the Bank of Georgia and the Government of Georgia.
"Kakhetian Traditional Winery" is one of the largest Georgian companies producing wine and brandy. Goods produced by KTW are exported to many countries.
Prime Minister's Press Office