German chemical company seeks office in Georgia

BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical manufacturers headquartered in Germany is looking to open a representative office in Georgia.

After Georgia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Davit Jalaghania met BASF Managing Director in Eastern Europe Andreas Lier, it was announced the German chemicals company wanted to open a representative office in Georgia before the end of 2016.

Lier said the German company had closely observed the developments in Georgia and was impressed with the recent progress of the country, said a statement by Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lier spoke highly of the open and liberal business environment of Georgia, and of the country’s efforts to become more sustainable, as this was in line with BASF’s mission. He also applauded Georgia’s resilience in the face of regional economic challenges and experiencing economic growth in spite of global problems.

For these and other reasons, BASF management decided to open an office in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi and use the capital as a base for it to expand its operations while using all the opportunities available through various trade deals.

Georgia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Davit Jalaghania met BASF Managing Director in Eastern Europe Andreas Lier yesterday in Georgia's capital Tbilisi. Photo by MFA Georgia. 

Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country welcomed BASF and said it would support the German company’s operations in Georgia.

At the meeting Georgia’s Deputy Minister told his German guest about the current and planned reforms and future plans, including the Government’s four-point reform agenda that offered greater support for investors and businesses.

Several German companies have shown interest in forging closer business ties with Georgia and developing business activities here.

This week German building materials company HeidelbergCement Caucasus (HC Caucasus) celebrated its 10 year anniversary of operations in Georgia, and also launched works to upgrade its existing cement and concrete facilities in the country.

HeidelbergCement will spend $100 million USD to renovate and develop its cement plant in Kaspi, Georgia’s Shida Kartli region and to build a new dry process clinker production line.

Earlier this month another major German investment was made in Georgia when Henkel, an international producer of some of the world’s most recognised brands and technologies, opened its first plant in the Caucasus in Georgia.