Natia Turnava Replaced by Levan Davitashvili as Economy Minister
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Thursday, February 10, 2022
The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Natia Turnava resigned on February 9. According to the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili, Turnava will be replaced by Levan Davitashvili, the Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture.
The new Minister of Environment and Agriculture will be Otar Shamugia. Turnava said that she would like to change the field but has not yet decided what position she will move to. She also noted that a solid foundation has been created during these years for the country's economy to recover and develop rapidly.
“These three years were not easy. It was very responsible, honorable, and challenging. I want to change the field, to test my strength in another arena. Of course, I remain a loyal member of the team.” she said at the briefing, thanking her team and media for always keeping her in the center of attention, thus in good shape.
“Now comes the period of new initiatives, new challenges and I am absolutely sure that Levan Davitashvili, with his dedication to his usual work, his own experience, professionalism, will take everything to a very high level and will be one of the successful economy ministers. I wish him good luck.”
Turnava has been the Minister of Economy since April 18, 2019. Prior to that, she held the position of Deputy Minister. As for Levan Davitashvili, he has been the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Georgia since 2014 and was appointed Minister in 2017.
According to the newly appointed Minister of Economy Levan Davitashvili, it is important for the economy to develop even faster. As Davitashvili stated, one of his tasks as the new Minister of Economy is to create jobs for the citizens.
At the same time, Levan Davitashvili thanked the Prime Minister for the declared confidence, his team from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and his predecessor for her successful work, which coincided with a very difficult time.
Davitashvili also met with the team of the Ministry of Economy. As he noted, the activities of the team of the Ministry of Economy will be focused on the proper fulfillment of the main obligations to the population.
“Under the leadership of the PM with the great efforts of the Ministry of Economy, on the one hand, we have been able to restore the economy, but we have big tasks, plans and also an obligation to the population to show rapid economic development and create maximum employment opportunities for citizens directly related to their income - more employment and attracting more investment in the country.”
The PM also appointed a new Business Ombudsman, the post will be held by Otar Danelia. Gharibashvili gave specific instructions to the Business Ombudsman, noting the importance of open cooperation with business, fewer barriers, and as little bureaucracy as possible.
Otar Danelia has been the First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, while Nino Kvetenadze, the Deputy Business Ombudsman, has been acting Business Ombudsman of Georgia.
