PM Gakharia Welcomes Guests to the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum 2019

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our guests attending the 3rd Biennial Tbilisi Silk Road Forum. The Forum brings together government and private sector leaders, representatives of international institutions, and industry experts from all over the world to share ideas and explore new avenues of cooperation. This year’s global gathering builds on the successes of the Tbilisi Belt and Road Forum of 2017 and the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum of 2015.

In hosting this Forum, Georgia is playing its historical role as a regional hub connecting Europe and Asia. Today, we play an increasingly important part in revitalizing the ancient Silk Road, which serves our historical role perfectly. Our unique location connecting East and West and our business-friendly policies make Georgia an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investment. Today, Georgia has Free Trade Agreements with Turkey, CIS countries, EFTA, China and DCFTA with EU – comprising a 2.3 billion consumer market. The World Bank currently ranks us #6 in the world for ease of doing business.

We have learned that adaptability and stakeholder engagement are critical drivers of success in this current era of disruptive technologies. In the midst of technological advancements, Georgia has emerged as a champion in utilizing Blockchain technologies in the public sector. We seek to become a test-bed for other technological innovations. We are also working to forge deeper connectivity with the global economy, so that we might reap the full benefit for our people of increased globalization.

I hope that you will enjoy your time in Georgia. Please take advantage of the ample opportunities to network and build business relationships with colleagues from Georgia and around the world. We share a commitment to revitalize the Silk Road to promote peace and prosperity.

It is my great honor and pleasure to host you for the 2019 Tbilisi Silk Road Forum.

Sincerely,

Prime Minister of Georgia