The Netherlands pledges to boost economic activities in Georgia
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A trade mission from the Netherlands is coming to Georgia to strengthen existing trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Several Dutch companies led by the Vice Minister of Foreign Trade of the Netherlands Simon Smits, will visit Georgia from April 7-9. The aim of the visit is to increase trade and investments between Georgia and the Netherlands.
While here, the Dutch guests will learn about Georgia’s business environment, and Vice Minister Smits will attend high level meetings with representatives from Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Finance.
Through a variety of activities, including company visits and meetings with stakeholders, both governmental and non-governmental, the Dutch and the Georgian side will explore opportunities for mutual cooperation and business enhancement.
Currently, the Netherlands was a valuable trading partner of Georgia however both sides wished for their bilateral relationship to intensify.
According to information by Geostat, the country’s National Statistics Office, the Netherlands was one of four countries who invested heavily in Georgia in 2014, with an investment of $331 million USD.
Latest figures saw the Netherlands rank among Georgia’s top 10 trading partners in terms of exports in January and February 2015. Specifically, the Netherlands gained eighth place on the list with exports valued at $15 million, however the country was not one of Georgia’s top trading partners in terms of turnover, noted Geostat.
The statistics agency reported in the first two months of this year, external merchandise trade (excluding non-organised trade) in Georgia amounted to $1.433 billion, where exports equalled $324 million and imports stood at $1.109 billion.
Specifically, in January and February 2015 Georgia’s external trade with EU countries amounted to $385 million – two percent lower than the same time of 2014. Exports amounted to $108 million (nine percent higher), while imports amounted to $277 million (six percent lower).
In this time the country’s top ten trading partners earned a 67 percent share of total external trade turnover, where Georgia’s top trading partners were Turkey ($224 million), Azerbaijan ($147 million) and China ($112 million).
* All dollar currencies are in USD.
In the first two months of the year, Georgia’s External Merchandise Trade (excluding non-organised trade) amounted to $1.4 billion USD. This was a nine percent drop when compared to the same figures of 2013.
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