PM: Epidemiological Situation in the Country has Become Relatively Stable

As of today, we can say that the epidemiological situation in the country has become relatively stable - stressing that we are talking about relative stability - and is under control. We have five new cases of infection, 11 recovered patients, and, unfortunately, it became known this morning that we have had another fatality - an 81-year-old woman. This unfortunate fact proves once again that a successful fight against the infection and the pandemic does not mean that we can draw some final conclusions. This is a long-term process and we must all understand that evidently, this virus will stay with us for a long time. Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia made this statement during the session of government.

The head of the government spoke about the need to follow the rules and noted that beauty salons and aesthetic medical centers will open from the 18th of May. He also noted that the restriction on the gathering of more than three people in open or enclosed spaces will be lifted; however this will not apply to the restriction on travel by car.

"The next issue that I would like to discuss is the observance of the rules that are essential in order for us to be able to open the economy, step by step, and somewhat more rapidly. We need to understand that the more thoroughly, effectively, and precisely we follow these rules, the more opportunities we will have to make the economy work again quickly, which is our goal. As you know, entering and exiting the cities of Rustavi and Gardabani is fully permitted from today onward, as per the decisions that have been made already. Also, the quarantine zone will be lifted in Marneuli from the 18th of May, and the residents of this region will also be able to take advantage of the opportunity to travel, which is open to every citizen of our country. As regards opening the economy, we can accelerate several stages given the epidemiological situation - we can take certain steps somewhat sooner, and given this opportunity, we have decided to permit beauty salons and aesthetic medical centers to open from Monday, the 18th of May, which, we believe, will be important to our citizens. In addition, we have decided to remove the restriction on the gathering of more than three people in open as well as enclosed spaces, though this will not apply to the restriction on more than three people traveling by car. In spite of everything, this restriction has a very important epidemiological role according to our doctors, and we believe them. The recommendations of professionals are critical for us in this area, especially in the fight against the epidemic," the prime minister stated.

He noted that successful negotiations are underway with several countries in the field of tourism, which will conclude with acceptable results, and Israel will be the first such country.

"We are holding successful negotiations in the field of tourism with several countries, which will conclude with an outcome that is acceptable to us. Israel will be the first such country, with which we will have a safe, green corridor. This will provide us with the opportunity to receive tourists from this country in Georgia very soon, and we will do everything to host them in a way that befits our country, and to take care of their health."

Active negotiations are also underway with the Czech Republic, Poland, the Baltic States, Austria, and neighboring countries. As the head of the government noted, ongoing efforts with all of these countries will be brought to their logical conclusions in the nearest future.

"As regards the further development of the economy and the Anti-Crisis Plan that we presented - as you know, our approach is very simple: the crisis must become an opportunity for our country. We must convert this challenge, this global pandemic, this global crisis, into an opportunity. We must become more effective and successful within the global competition. Tourism is one of the best examples of this and Georgia must be among the first countries to be able to open up and operate the tourism industry and to receive guests in the country. The National Tourism Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Economy are working very hard on this. Today, we can say that we are conducting successful negotiations in this area with several countries, which will conclude with an outcome that is acceptable to us. Israel will be the first country with which we will have a safe, green corridor. This will provide us with the opportunity to receive tourists from this country in Georgia very soon, and we will do everything to host them in a way that befits our country, and to take care of their health. Furthermore, active negotiations are also underway with the Czech Republic, Poland, the Baltic States, Austria, as well as our neighboring countries, and all of these efforts will be brought to their logical conclusion in the nearest future. However, all of this makes it essential to follow the rules of safety, which are attaining critical importance."

The PM noted that the shelves of our agricultural markets must be stocked with Georgian products, and these products must be produced in the quantities needed by the country.

"The program on Caring for Farmers and Agriculture that we presented is not merely important - it is of critical importance for the country's agri-food security, the control of prices, the creation of jobs, and many other areas."

The head of the government stressed that strong villages make a strong country.

"We must all understand that along with the growth of productivity in our agricultural industry, we must not only urge one another to buy Georgian products but we must also be able to buy such products, as they should be available on the shelves of our agricultural markets. Such products must be produced in the quantities needed by the country."

Giorgi Gakharia also noted during today's session of the government that the phase of the complete reconstruction of one of the terminals of the port in Poti will begin in the near future, adding that an American fund is making direct investments there. The project has already started and 30 million USD have been transferred.

"As regards the further stimulation of economic growth: As you know, foreign direct investment is of critical importance to our country. We have done everything possible to make sure that the systemic infrastructural projects funded by the state were not suspended, or at least to ensure that the rate of suspension was minimal; we have also done everything to stimulate foreign direct investment. The phase of the complete reconstruction of one of the terminals of the port in Poti is an example of this. The phase will begin in the nearest future and an American fund is making the investment. The project has already begun and 30 million USD have already been transferred. The total value of the project amounts to 93 million USD. The works will begin in the coming days - this is yet another confirmation of the state's efforts to provide foreign investment, as well as of the deepening of our country's cooperation with our strategic partner, not just in terms of security or democratization but also in economic terms. This is also significant to us in other ways, in addition to the economic implications. Along with everything else, we need to bolster our investment in our port infrastructure and the port in Poti - one of the most important gateways into the country - must develop even further. We must do everything to ensure that the maritime infrastructure and port infrastructure on the black sea coast in Georgia are modern and developed. We must support everything, including the construction of new ports."