Georgia to launch e-visa service soon
By Mushvig Mehdiyev
In an effort to give an impetus to the tourism sector of its economy, Georgia is planning to launch the electronic visa issuance service in February, 2015.
The initiative is part of the government's strategy to maintain the long-term stability of the national currency, lari. The measure also aims to encourage export, tourism and direct foreign investment inflow in Georgia.
"We want to increase the number of tourists. Launch of e-visa service will simplify the procedures of visiting Georgia,” said Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the government is working on the drafts of investment projects to be realized in different regions of Georgia.
"We have already created a very attractive ground for the investors, including establishment of favorable business conditions in Georgia's regions. The projects to be implemented in the regions are building hydro power stations and developing and promoting the local production and etc. Now we are trying to establish communication with the businessmen who are interested in investing in the regions. We will also do our best to encourage the private business,” Garibashvili said.
As a result of these activities, Garibashvili believes that Georgia will maintain the financial stability against the ongoing depreciation of the national currency.
Garibashvili added that an increase in the prices of products will not be observed, especially amid the fall in prices of oil.
"Lari's devaluation is part of the global process. Almost every national currency is depreciated worldwide and lari is affected by this general tendency. Floating exchange rate is now functioning in Georgia and it is the most suitable option for our economy,” Garibashvili said.
Lari is maintaining its stable position despite devaluation of some currencies, including the Ukrainian Hryvnia, the Russian Ruble, the Moldovan Leu, the Swedish Krona, the Polish Zloty, the Hungarian Forint, Garibashvili said
"These indicators show that there is no need to be worried, as the whole world faces the same problem. The government is working very hard to maintain the financial stability in Georgia,” he said.
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