Caspian Energy News: “TANAP will increase economic development in Georgia"

Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili has spoken with Caspian Energy about the state of the Georgian economy, the government’s priorities and future vision for the country.

The role of Georgia as a transit corridor for gas, goods and energy between Asia and Europe was also discussed by the Georgian PM in the interview, as was the country’s decision to revise its long-term gas relations with Azerbaijan.

The Georgian Government sets the achievement of long term economic growth as a central priority. The private sector … is the main driving force for the economic development of any country. A strong and competitive private sector not only guarantees the economic strength of the country and creation of new jobs, but also establishes a solid basis for better positioning of the country worldwide,” said Kvirikashvili.

As for European integration, this is of course the ongoing number one priority for the Georgian Government.”

The Georgian PM was confident 10 years from now Georgia will be a "modern, dynamic European nation with strong, entrenched democratic institutions”.

I believe Georgia will be prosperous country that capitalizes on its geographic location as a vital link connecting East and West, and North and South. Then years from now, Georgia will be a major hub for trade throughout the region and a key player in global commerce,” he said.

Georgia’s role as a transit corridor was highlighted in the interview. Kvirikashvili said once the TANAP natural gas pipeline (from Azerbaijan through Georgia and Turkey to Europe) was completed and the Southern Gas Corridor pipeline expanded, these and other planned projects would improve Georgia’s role as a transit country. 

It would also help strengthen the country’s energy security and economic development by injecting millions into the country from investments to upgrade infrastructure "which creates jobs and supports widespread industrial development”.

Read the full article here: www.caspianenergy.net