Sebastian Molineus Comments on Open Letter to Georgian Gov't and People
Sebastian Molineus, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus, has responded to the open letter of support sent by international partners to the Georgian government and people.
"The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting an unprecedented economic challenge for the world and is certainly having an impact for the economy of Georgia, given its very open nature and exposure to trade and remittances as well.
"The government stakeholders across the public sector, as well as the private sector and the people of Georgia have shown remarkable resilience in the face of this crisis and have been working extraordinarily well together.
"Nonetheless, this crisis is presenting major challenges for Georgia right now, and these are particular in the health sector, these relate to ensuring social safety nets and protective measures are there for the most vulnerable and exposed to the crisis, and finally, of course, the economic recovery that will soon become a very strong necessity. All three of these dimensions require strong investments and large investments.
"And it is with this in mind, that the international community, in particular those looking at providing major support to the government, have come together to cooperate and work with the government to formulate and to provide unprecedented financial relief package. The institutions are the Asian Development Bank, the Asia Infrastructure and Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the European Union, the French Republic through AFD, the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW, the International Monetary Fund and finally the World Bank Group.
"All of us are coming together to support the government, and most importantly the people of Georgia to ensure that we come out of this crisis as one and united," he said.
The delegation of the European Union to Georgia has published an open letter, in which international partners and donor organizations reaffirm their support to the Georgian government and population.
Through this letter, the organizations are expressing readiness to support Georgia financially due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
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