Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I would like to endorse the comments made by the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, Per Eklund, in the Messenger. The agricultural sector in Georgia offers huge potential, lacks a national strategy and farmers need to organize themselves better.

Recent investments in road infrastructure, Poti port and the Tbilisi and Batumi airports have reduced transport costs. Progress in customs legislation, free trade and visa agreements have reducing export costs. The extension of radio-internet, fixed and mobile communications to all regional areas has reduced communication costs and opened up the prospects of e-commerce.

Briefing the United States Department of Agriculture Delegation earlier this year I spoke of the excellent soils, climate and access to water that has blessed Georgia for so long and stressed that now was the time to invest and bring these natural resources back into play for the good of the people. USAID will invest heavily in agriculture over the next several years and the EU and UNDP are also focusing their efforts towards the untapped potential of Georgian agriculture. The Amcham will continue to find and support new investors who can contribute expertise and capital to Georgian agribusiness.

I thank Per for making this point as he completes his successful assignment to Georgia and hope that he will continue his contribution to Georgia’s development in the future.

David Lee
President of the American Chamber of Commerce
General Director Magticom