Giorgi Kobulia Speaks at German-Georgian Business and Cooperation Forum

Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Giorgi Kobulia, delivered a speech at the German-Georgian Business and Cooperation Forum, which was held in Frankfurt am Main during the visit of the Georgian government delegation. The Forum coincides with this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair, where Georgia is the country of honor.

The Forum was also attended by Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of Norway Norbert Bartle, Chairman of the Governing Council of the German Investment Corporation (DEG), Christine Laibak, and other top officials. The majority of participants were representatives from Georgian and German businesses.

In his speech, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia called the Georgian-German relationship special and noted that Germany has played an important and decisive role in developing Georgian statehood. Kobulia said that Germany is the second largest donor country in Georgia, and has provided EUR 820 million to the country since 1992.

Kobulia discussed bilateral trade and economic relations and noted that Germany is one of the Georgia’s leading trading partners and the increased development of bilateral economic cooperation will complement the free trade agreement with the European Union (DCFTA). German companies are also one of the largest investing nations in the Georgian private sector. There is significant potential between the countries, said Kobulia, and efforts from both sides should work to enhance the relationship.

Kobulia also touched on Georgia’s economic trends and ongoing and planned reforms designed to support inclusive economic growth. He cited figures from the IMF that Georgia leads the region in economic growth, and emphasized the Government of Georgia’s continued commitment to implementing consistent and successful reforms and to support a business-friendly environment to promote domestic and international investment.

Participants showed particular interest in the government strategy to grow Georgia’s role as a financial, transport-logistic and energy hub.

According to the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Georgia has a wide variety of business opportunities for those who are looking for new investment directions, including in the fastest growing sectors of the national economy – renewable energy, hotels and tourism, real estate, manufacturing, business process outsourcing, and logistics.

Closing his remarks, Minister Kobulia invited German business representatives to visit Georgia.

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development