Georgia-Switzerland explore free trade and economic opportunities

Georgia is exploring ways to deepen its existing ties and forge new bonds with Switzerland.

Today Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili hosted National Council of the Swiss Confederation chairperson Christa Markwalder in Tbilisi and discussed the opportunities and prospects provided through mutual deals and cooperation.

Today’s discussion mainly focused on the trade and economic partnerships between the two nations.

They also mentioned the Free Trade Agreement signed between Georgia and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) this June. Through the deal with the EFTA, Georgia was now able to sell its goods in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

The Swiss official also met Georgia's Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze earlier today. Georgia's Foreign Ministry tweeted about the meeting:

FM @JanelidzeMkh greets @ChristaMarkwald, President of the #Swiss National Council at the MFA #Georgiapic.twitter.com/LjP7h9rEmL

— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) September 6, 2016

The possibility of enhancing tourism ties and increasing Swiss investments into Georgia were also discussed by the two officials today.

Kvirikashvili stressed the significance of Swiss aid in developing Georgia’s highland regions. He specifically noted the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation was instrumental in implementing projects that encouraged the development and advancement of Georgia’s alpine areas.

On another note the PM briefed Markwalder about the Government of Georgia’s Four-Point Reform Plan that encompassed rapid development of the country, reforming the education system and improving open governance, as well modernizing and upgrading vital infrastructure such as roads.

Kvirikashvili invited Markwalder to Georgia several months ago when he met her during his official trip in Switzerland at the end of June 2016.