The International Chamber of Commerce hosts Business Luncheon with Minister of Agriculture and German Ambassador
Thursday, April 18
On Tuesday, April 16th ICC Georgia hosted a well-attended Business Luncheon with H.E. David Kirvalidze, Minister of Agriculture of Georgia and the Ambassador of Germany to Georgia and member of ICC’s Consultative Board, H.E. Mr. Ortwin Hennig. In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Hennig spoke positively about the Georgian Government’s steps towards European integration, including finalizing the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with Europe, as well as the Government’s western-oriented foreign policy. He cautioned, however, that Georgia’s democracy remains fragile and that the two political parties must continue to adjust to cohabitation.
Ambassador Hennig’s comments were followed by a presentation from Minister Kirvalidze on the challenges facing agriculture in Georgia and the initiatives of the Ministry of Agriculture to respond to these challenges. These initiatives include: improving land titling; promoting land consolidation; providing support for agricultural co-operatives; increasing rural employment; improving extension services to farmers; improving access of farmers and agricultural businesses to credit; improving irrigation and drainage systems; providing better services, inputs and supply to farmers through private operators; supporting seed farms, nurseries and breeding stations; improving post-harvest management by adding value to crops produced in Georgia; ensuring food safety; promoting bio-diversity and organic farming; improving access to markets; and providing agricultural support to remote areas and disadvantaged regions. The Minister indicated that the Government is committed to its focus on agricultural as a target sector, and considers the strengthening of the private sector as a key factor in the success of the Ministry of Agriculture’s initiatives.
The International Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in the world, uniting hundreds of thousands of companies and organizations from over 120 countries into a representative body which speaks with authority on behalf of businesses worldwide. ICC works closely with the G8, G20, WB, UN, WTO and WCO. ICC Georgia is the most active and vocal business organization in the country, servicing its members by keeping them connected and informed. For membership information, please contact ICC Georgia’s Executive Director Andrea Wilson at a.wilson@icc.ge.
