PM at Business Forum in Berlin: Georgia has strategic role in Caucasus region
By Tea Mariamidze
Thursday, June 16
“Safety and well-being is nothing without freedom; we are taking consistent measures to protect the judicial system from political, financial and other types of influence,” Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated while opening the Georgian-German business forum in Berlin on June 15.
The forum, Trade and Business with Georgia, was attended by 130 representatives of Georgian and German business organizations. Its main topics were Georgia’s attractive and stable business environment and investment opportunities in the country.
PM Kvirikashvili presented the democratic reforms implemented in Georgia and described Georgia as the region's leading reformer.
“We concentrate on building a de-politicized police and an independent prosecution. Also, we strongly believe in freedom of expression and in media freedom, and we have made considerable progress in these fields,” he stated.
According to Kvirikashvili, fair elections are the most important component for a country that wants to develop trade and attract foreign direct investments. He believes that the October parliamentary elections will be democratic like the previous elections held in 2012.
“We are looking forward to the observers’ mission to ensure that the 2016 elections will be the most free and fair in the history of Georgia," said the Prime Minister.
Moreover, Kvirikashvili spoke about Georgia’s progress in the European and Euro-Atlantic integration process.
"We have made significant progress in the implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU and in the near future we are expecting to receive visa liberalization,” he said, and added that later this month, Georgia will sign a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association.
During the forum, the main emphasis was put on deepening trade and economic ties between Georgia and Germany. Kvirikashvili believes that the Georgian-German Business Forum emphasizes the development of economic co-operation readiness between the two countries. He also spoke about Georgia’s economic ratings, increased foreign investments and noted that Georgia offers great opportunities to foreign investors, and a free and open economy.
“Our nation's success stands on three main principles - economic development, security and democracy. According to the World Bank, Georgia is one of the countries where it is easiest to do business,” claimed PM Kvirikashvili, and underlined Georgia’s strategic and central role in the region.
At the end of his visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, the Georgian PM will attend a reception marking the 25th anniversary of the independence of Georgia.
The Georgian delegation includes Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze, Interior Minister Giorgi Mgebrishvili, Education Minister Alexander Jejelava, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Keteval Bochorishvili, Business Ombudsman Giorgi Gakharia, Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Parliament, Tedo Japaridze.
