Georgian PM opens ‘Georgia and the World in 2019’ economic conference in Tbilisi
At the conference PM Bakhtadze talked about Georgian economy and opportunities for further development. Photo: Ministry of Finance.
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Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze has opened the economic conference ‘Georgia and the World in 2019’ earlier today, where he discussed at what stage of development the Georgian economy is and what opportunities the country has for further development.
He opened the conference with Henrik Hololei, Director-General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission, who visited Georgia yesterday.
European Commission's Mobility and Transport department posted on its official Twitter account:
“Giving Opening Speech w/ Georgia PM @BakhtadzeMamuka @ “Georgia & the World” Economic Conf. Much to celebrate inc. extension of #TEN_T & Transport Investment Action Plan, also encouraged further reforms & deeper connectivity initiatives. #EU is committed to support!” DG Hololei. pic.twitter.com/s2N9b74eIJ
— EU Transport (@Transport_EU) January 29, 2019
Bakhtadze praised the reforms carried out by Georgia in recent years and said that these reforms have helped Georgia be recognised as an exemplary country for its democratic and economic development.
The reforms carried out by us in recent years have brought very tangible results. A few days ago I returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos and I am very proud to see that Georgia was referred to as the best example of transformation of democracy and economic development for other countries because of the bold reforms we are carrying out”, said Bakhtadze.
The conference is taking place at the Technology Park of Tbilisi. 100 delegates attend the conference. Photo: Ministry of Finance.
“But this is not enough”, said Bakhtadze, who named poverty as the “painful challenge” for Georgia.
We are doing everything to achieve inclusive growth in Georgia, the kind of economic growth that will benefit well-being of each citizen”, Bakhtadze said.
He said that inclusive growth is unimaginable without the development of small and medium businesses.
Therefore, the main priority of my government is the small and medium business”, said Bakhtadze.
Bakhtadze discussed Georgia’s prospects of becoming the regional centre. He said that the most important message he heard at the World Economic Forum was that Georgia has all the prerequisites “to become an economic center of the entire region”.
Georgian Finance Minister and Mercy Tembon from the World Banks were among the speakers at the conference. Photo: Ministry of Finance.
We are the gateway for eight landlocked countries. This is a very big potential, but at the same time - great responsibility. This is the reason why we have increased investments in infrastructure in recent years”, he said.
While talking about investments Bakhtadze said that “we will never be able to put Georgia in the number of countries with developed economies if we do not carry out large-scale investments in the education sector”, adding that at least 10-11 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product must be allocated for the educational field from both public and private sectors.
Bakhtadze said that the development of the knowledge-based economy and human capital is the absolute priority of the government.