Davos 2017: Georgia deepens economic ties with Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Georgia’s Economy Minister Giorgi Gakharia is meeting with world economic leaders to deepen global ties at the World Economic Forum taking place in Davos, Switzerland.

Strengthening economic and trade relations between Georgia and Saudi Arabia was the main topic of discussion at today’s meeting between Georgian Economy Minister Gakharia and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce and Investment, Majed bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi.

Gakharia stated the importance of good trade relations with Saudi Arabia and Georgia’s willingness to further deepen cooperation with and attract more investments from the country.

Gakharia further talked about Georgia’s Four-Point Reform Plan, which includes new tax benefits, infrastructure plans, governance reforms and an overhaul of the education system.

Georgia's Economy Minister Giorgi Gakharia met Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce of Qatar in Davos. Photo by Georgia's Ministry of Economy.

In the first three quarters of 2016, Saudi Arabia invested $10.53 million in Georgia, while total trade turnover amounted to $25.19 million, said Georgia’s Ministry of Economy.

Later Gakharia met Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce of Qatar.

Al Thani said he was ready to contribute to the further improvement of cooperation between Georgia and Qatar.

Meanwhile, Gakharia introduced Georgia’s business and investment environment to the Sheikh and stated the Government of Georgia had created preferential state programs for investors. In his words these programs were oriented on developing the entrepreneurial spirit of the country.