PM tells Dubai summit his office plans to develop Georgia into multi-dimensional regional hub

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibahsvili on Monday addressed the World Government Summit in Dubai and stressed his government intended to develop Georgia into a “true multi-dimensional regional hub”. 

He claimed his office was actively working with the world’s “leading firms and brightest minds”. 

As Georgia serves eight landlocked countries and is a gateway between Europe and Asia, my country already plays a significant role in the East-West trade”, he said.  

 

He also said Georgia offered international firms a “competitive environment” for expanding their businesses in the larger region that would reduce their operational costs. 

“In Georgia, companies can take advantage of access to over 2.3 billion potential customers without customs and import tariffs. Georgia has free trade agreements with China, CIS and EFTA countries, and Turkey. In addition, we enjoy the benefits of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the EU”, he said. 

The PM noted his government had a vision for a” strong Georgia committed to a free market economy and democratic institutions, which is reflected in our multidimensional approach that is ensuring overall stability for the Georgian people”, noting “we have been developing effective and efficient policies and are solidifying our vision through robust actions”. 

The head of the Georgian government also said “despite the grave geopolitical situation and challenges in the region and declining global economic prospects, Georgia has managed to maintain economic stability”. 

He noted after 10.5% economic growth in 2021, 10.1% growth had been recorded in last year. 

“However, neither strengthening of the economy nor the development of the regional hub is feasible without proper planning and a steadfast commitment to democratic values. That is why, last year, we adopted Vision 2030 – a development strategy of Georgia, which is a comprehensive national policy document that guides the country’s policy planning and coordination”, Garibashvili said, adding it outlined “key objectives and priorities” for nationwide development by 2030, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 and the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. 

 

“The Strategy aims at promoting sustainable economic growth, social equality, security and stability, democracy and rule of law in Georgia”, the PM said.  He told the audience Georgia aspired to become a member of the EU and NATO. 

 

“We submitted an EU membership application as a concrete response to the longstanding choice of the Georgian people. On June 23, 2022, the European Council recognized the European Perspective for Georgia, which reaffirmed that Georgia’s future is in the EU.We are determined to swiftly progress on the EU accession path, and the candidate status is our next immediate milestone”, he said. 

 

The Summit will complete on Wednesday.