Georgian PM: Relations with EU at All Time High

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze says that EU-Georgia relations are "at an all time high." He made the statement at the joint press conference with the European Union Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström on Tuesday.

“We have been benefiting from the Free Trade Agreement with EU for several years and already have a very specific and commendable result,” he stated.

Bakhtadze noted that the EU is Georgia's largest trade partner, adding the export is annually increasing to the EU market and Georgia is also expanding the list of products exported. 

“It is a welcoming fact that almost 800 companies from Georgia are represented in the EU market. Their label says Made in Georgia, which is of great pride to us and I wish to thank every such company,” he underlined.

The PM said Georgian entrepreneurs have increased incentives to produce high quality, safe and environmentally clean products.

“Georgian honey and fish from the Black Sea meet the high-quality standards of the EU and can already be exported to the European market. In addition, we are working with our European partners on a new list of products to be exported to the European market in the future,” Bakhtadze stated.

He added that with the support of the European Commission, Georgia developed an Export Development Strategy, which includes an Action Plan for placing specific products from Georgia on the EU market.

“I believe that this is a right approach to have not only a general strategy for the development of export but an action plan also for individual products,” he said.

Bakhtadze also added that during the meeting with the Commissioner, they discussed the governmental initiatives towards improving the business environment in the country, economic modernization, human capital development and reform of vocational education, along with support for SMEs.

“We are creating an inclusive and sustainable economy which will be built on the rules of the game fit to the interests of our citizens, and we have the full support of EU towards this end,” he noted.

“We stand ready and it is our motivation to be more integrated within the European family. It is our civilization choice,” Bakhtadze emphasized.

By Thea Morrison