German chemical company enters Georgia, opens regional office

Georgia's economy is set to get a massive boost after welcoming a new multinational company into the local market. 

BASF, one of the world's largest chemical manufacturers, has taken advantage of the favourable investment environment and vast business development opportunities in Georgia and has opened up a regional office in the small Caucasian nation.

BASF originated in Germany but has grown tremendously and now had offices in almost all countries and employed over 112,000 people.

Yesterday top Georgian Government officials attended a special ceremony that celebrated BASF’s entrance in Georgia.

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked BASF management, especially senior vice president Laurent Tainturier, for establishing the company's regional office in Georgia. Kvirikashvili said this was a result of Georgia’s liberal economy and the progress the country had made due to effective Government reforms that encouraged more investors to invest here.

We are pleased that BASF has taken advantage of Georgia's strategic location and one of the most attractive business climates in the whole Eurasian region and has established its representation in Georgia, a genuine hub for business, logistics and transportation,” said Georgia's Prime Minister at the special ceremony.

BASF announced it would open a regional office in Georgia in September. Photo by the PM's press office. 

The Prime Minister remained hopeful that this new venture in the region would bring the company even greater success.

Georgia needs investors like you; companies which acknowledge our country's strategic role as a gateway between Europe and Asia a bridge between east and west and a part of the modern Silk Road. Your presence here also provides a quality stamp to Georgia's economic and regulatory environment,” Kvirikashvili added.

The Georgian high official promised the Government would continue its ambitious reform agenda and further advance the favourable business climate, coupling it with cutting-edge infrastructure and a streamlined tax system to make business even easier.

We have a sound strategy and a plan of action to encourage innovative solutions and the start-up industry in Georgia. I believe with the combination of BASF's unrivaled experience and Georgia's innovative and creative business climate, the cooperation potential is truly huge," Kvirikashvili said.

The German chemical producing company announced it would open a regional office in Georgia in September when Georgia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Davit Jalaghania met BASF managing director in Eastern Europe Andreas Lier.

After the meeting Lier said the German-based company had closely observed the developments in Georgia and was impressed with the recent progress of the country.

Georgia's Prime Miniter (C) warmly welcomed BASF representatives and thanked company management for deciding to open a regional office in Georgia. Photo by the PM's press office.   

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 had decided to open an office in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi and use the capital city as a base for the company to expand its operations while using all the opportunities available through various trade deals.

Other German companies were already enjoying Georgia's favourable business environment and had a history of operating here. This year German building materials company HeidelbergCement Caucasus (HC Caucasus) celebrated its 10 year anniversary of operations in Georgia and also launched works to upgrade its cement and concrete facilities in the country.

In September this year 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.