Georgia increases trade volume with EU
By Mushvig Mehdiyev
The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and EU may increase Georgia’s export by 12.4 percent and import by 7.5 percent, Irakli Garibashvili, Georgian Prime Minister said at the Georgian-Estonian Business Forum on January 13.
"There is much more attractive investment climate in our country and DCFTA will create new opportunities,” Garibashvili said.
He said the government’s successful economic policy has boosted Georgia’s economic potential and export opportunities, as the export of the country increased by 24 percent within two years.
"At the same time export to the European Union increased by 70 percent, which is an important achievement," added Garibashvili.
Georgia is expected to increase demand for transport and logistics, that's why the government has decided to build a deepwater port in Anaklia.
"The port will increase the trade turnover of Georgia and will improve the fast growing business service in logistics and warehousing sectors. This will also encourage the companies operating in Georgia to benefit from the favorable conditions such as low transportation fees, more expedited shipping dates and security,” Garibashvili said.
The prime minister also spoke of an initiative to establish Tbilisi Silk Road Forum.
"This forum will give us a possibility to hold high-level meetings where the interested states and international organizations could participate. We will be able to implement different projects in transport, energy and trade fields at the historic Silk Road route,” Garibashvili said.
Garibashvili noted that today Georgia has very close political and economic relations with two successful countries, Turkey and Azerbaijan. He expressed hope that Estonia will also become one of the most important partner countries of Georgia.
"Estonia is a well-known country with great achievements in the field of electronic and digital technologies. It would be very important for Georgia's development to develop such a dynamic business environment like in Estonia," he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Estonia Taavi Roivas said it is also very important for Estonia to establish business relations abroad and encouraged the business society to use all opportunities for establishing closer business contacts in Georgia.
An agreement was signed between the Georgian-Estonian Chambers of Commerce under the Georgian-Estonian Business Forum on international road transport of passengers and cargo.
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