Georgia’s PM Kvirikashvili announces Switzerland visit

Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili is going to Switzerland to discuss ways of developing Georgia’s mountain regions with Swiss experts.

The Georgian leader yesterday announced he would visit Switzerland to meet mountain development experts and officials.

The visit will start tomorrow, July 27 and last for three days.

"This visit was specially planned for this particular meeting [with mountain development authorities],” the PM said.

We will begin to create a strategic plan to develop Tusheti [a historic mountainous region in northeast Georgia] with Swiss experts involved.”

It will be a comprehensive plan that will be sympathetic with the environment and maintain the area's cultural heritage.”

Dartlo village in Tusheti, Georgia. Photo from www.dzeglebi.ge

Tusheti is one of the most environmentally protected areas in the Caucasus that attracts tourists from all over the world. Some of its historic villages are located 2000 metres above sea level and have unique ancient infrastructure with traditional Georgia towers.

Last summer Georgia's Parliament adopted a Law on the Development of Mountainous Regions that aimed to reduce poverty and offer more benefits and support to people living in the highlands of Georgia. The law also offered incentives for businesses and budget support for economic and social development.