Meeting Held with Int'l Partners on Steps Taken by Gov't Under State of Emergency
A donor coordination meeting was held by Vice Prime Minister of Georgia Maia Tskitishvili and Head of the Administration of the Government Natia Mezvrishvili.
The steps taken by the Government of Georgia within the framework of the fight against COVID-19 and issues pertaining to future cooperation were discussed during the video conference.
Vice Prime Minister Maia Tskitishvili spoke about the main directions of the government's Anti-Crisis Economic Plan during the meeting.
"We had a discussion with the donors about the package envisaged by the Anti-Crisis Plan, as well as the plans for the immediate future, including in terms of post-crisis management and the next stages of opening the economy. We have a very active dialog – an open discussion – with our international partners regarding what kinds of reforms can be carried out, what type of support they can provide in the future, including with regard to the economy, both in terms of providing assistance to small and medium companies and supporting the agricultural sector. Tourism was one of the important topics of discussion. We are always working with international partners to develop even more effective assistance mechanisms and with their support, we offer our public the most effective programs possible," Maia Tskitishvili stated.
The head of the Administration of the Government emphasized the legal aspects of the state of emergency and the accountability and transparency of government throughout this process during the video conference.
"Accountability and transparency are the starting point and main principle for us in the fight against the coronavirus, which was repeatedly stressed by the prime minister. The goal of today's meeting was to inform our international partners and the diplomatic corps about the decisions made by the Government of Georgia in the fight against the coronavirus. We discussed the plan for economic recovery, issues pertaining to the lifting of restrictions, and the additional needs that the Government of Georgia has with regard to the donors. We have already held similar meetings with representatives of non-governmental organizations and the Public Defender's Office and we continue providing our partners with information on a regular basis," Natia Mezvrishvili stated.
Representatives of the Government of Georgia and international partners also discussed the additional needs that are important in terms of providing assistance to vulnerable groups and ensuring the recovery of the economy.
The parties agreed that in order to receive additional support in a timely manner, work will continue with all international partners on an individual and thematic basis in connection with the needs that were presented by the government.
The head of the USAID mission discussed the long-term and successful partnership with Georgia. Peter Weibler noted that USAID is proud to be a partner of the Georgian Government, civil society, and private sector, which serves the fulfillment of the goals that have been set.
The resident coordinator of the United Nations in Georgia thanked the Government of Georgia for providing detailed information on the Anti-Crisis Plan. Sabine Machl confirmed readiness to continue supporting Georgia in the future to overcome the crisis caused by the novel coronavirus.
The Prime Minister's Advisor on Economic Issues Beka Liluashvili, Prime Minister's Advisor on Human Rights and Gender Equality Issues Lela Akiashvili, ambassadors, and representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations took part in the video conference.