Georgian FM discusses cooperation with Japanese Economy, Digital Ministers
Darchiashvili thanked the Japanese side for supporting Georgia, including in the economic direction, and invited Japanese officials to visit Georgia. Photo: Ilia Darchiashvili/Facebook
Tweet 
Share
The trade and economic ties between Georgia and Japan, as well as the prospects for their further development, were discussed on Thursday by Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister, Nishimura Yasutoshi, at the meeting held as part of Darchiashvili’s official visit to Tokyo.
Georgian FM Ilia Darchiashvili and Japanese Economy Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi. Photo: Foreign Ministry
The officials welcomed the signing of the agreement on the protection of investments between the countries and discussed the opportunities for Japanese companies to invest in Georgia, considering the country’s “consistently growing” economic indicators and “favourable” transit and business opportunities, with Yasutoshi highlighting Georgia’s democratic development and the advanced international ratings as the “main reasons” for Japan’s “increased” interest in the country.
Darchiashvili briefed the Japanese Economy Minister on Georgia’s economic growth and its involvement in international energy projects, and the officials pointed out the implementation of joint projects, arrangement of business forums, as well as visits of chambers of commerce and industry, as a “good opportunity” to activate business relations.
Georgian FM Ilia Darchiashvili and Japanese Digital Minister Taro Kono. Photo: Foreign Ministry
The Georgian FM also discussed the possibilities of cooperation in the field of digital technologies, especially in the development of electronic services, with the Japanese Minister of Digital Affairs Taro Kono. The sides also focused on the reform of the governance system, which ensures compliance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and highlighted the steps taken by Georgia towards the development of digital governance.
The officials also reviewed the “favourable” investment and business environment in Georgia, including the growing interest in the development of various technological start-ups and the Government's policies to support them.
Darchiashvili thanked the Japanese side for supporting Georgia, including in the economic direction, and invited Japanese officials to visit Georgia.
Partnership between Georgia and Japan in various areas and security matters were discussed on Thursday in a meeting between the Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi.
Georgian culture minister Tea Tsulukiani and Akira Imamura, the ambassador of Japan to Georgia attended the closing event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Japan on Saturday at the Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Tbilisi.
Georgian parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili, who is on a working visit to Japan, on Monday said Tokyo was interested in ensuring “closer relations” with Georgia.
Georgia and Japan have signed an agreement on investment liberalisation, promotion and protection that aims to encourage investment inflows from Japan to Georgia, announces the Ministry of Economy of Georgia.
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Wednesday said Georgia’s geographical location, free trade deals and "attractive" business environment could give it the role of a “regional gateway” for Japanese companies.
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili and Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Yuumi Yoshikawa on Thursday discussed trade and economic relations between the two countries, as well as progress achieved in this regard over recent years.