Optimism for Georgian economy in 2012

Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri stated recently that 2012 will be a very difficult year for the world economy, but it will not be as hard on Georgia.

Gilauri spoke at a meeting with Georgian trade and industrial leaders, saying that his government has four reasons to be optimistic: Georgia's solid international financial ratings, the continuing effort to make the country into a regional centre, the continued opening of the economy, and relatively low levels of corruption.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the results of the recent meeting between U.S. President Barack Obama and Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, where a future free trade agreement between the two countries was discussed.

Analysts are generally positive about Georgia's economic future, but note that a free trade agreement will only yield positive results if Georgia is able to increase domestic manufacturing and diversify its export base.