PM about Georgia: We are building a multidimensional business hub
By Tea Mariamidze
Monday, June 10
Georgia's logistics opportunities and tourism potential and its role in the Black Sea region were pointed out by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze in his speech at the Seattle World Affairs Council on Saturday.
"Our strategy is to make Georgia a regional hub for tourism, international business, logistics, education, and innovations," the PM said.
Bakhtadze also spoke about Georgia's steps and achievements toward democratic institutions and development.
"28 years ago, we started our path toward building institutions of democracy, creating a justice system that works as a representative of democracy. These reforms have also made Georgia one of the easiest places to do business, to invest in our country, our people, and our infrastructure. Step by step, we are becoming an economic hub for the region. We are on the path to join NATO and the EU," he said.
The PM noted Georgia is working on trade agreements with France and allies like the US and has all important indicators moving in the right direction.
"The World Bank Group ranks us as 6th in terms of doing business in the world. The Fraser Institute ranks us 7th, right after the US, in economic freedom. As a reflection of our commitment to open governance, the Open Budget Index ranks us 5th in access to government information… According to IMF, Georgia will stay as the leader in terms of economic growth in the wider region that consists of 28 countries," he added.
In his speech, Georgian PM also spoke about Georgia's logistics opportunities and tourism potential, and also pointed out challenges in these directions.
"We are a country with 8.5 million visitors a year, and this year this number will be 9 million, while our total population is roughly 4 million. And I guess you will agree that it is indeed a remarkable achievement. This is something we are very proud of," he said.
Bakhtadze also spoke about the occupation of the country's territories Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Russia.
"Russia has occupied 20% of our territories since 2008. After the occupation, 8% of our citizens had to leave their homes. Now we are a proud country with its ancient history. We have survived 70 years of soviet occupation. And, of course, we are not about to let Russia define our future," he said.
In discussing Georgia's success, Mamuka Bakhtadze emphasized the regional context, stressing that Georgia is the role model for many countries in terms of democratic consolidation and economic transformation.
The PM underlined Georgia's far-reaching educational reform, according to which 6% of the country's GDP will be allocated for education.
He also urged American entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Georgia. According to Mamuka Bakhtadze, Georgia is ranked 3rd in terms of the low tax regime, while the country maintains a healthy balance between investments in infrastructure and human capital and keeping low taxes. According to him, Georgia is the most open economy in the world, as evidenced by the World Bank, the IMF, and large investors in Georgia.
"We welcome, invite, and encourage enterprising Americans to seize these opportunities that are in Georgia. Thanks to our location, our immediate regional market offers access to half a billion people. We offer a truly unique and vital geographic location for American business to reach European and Asian markets. Georgia is a gateway for eight landlocked countries in the heart of the Eurasian Continent, the fastest growing consumer market in the world," he claimed.
Bakhtadze arrived in the US on June 5. He is said to complete his working visit in a week.
