Economy Minister: CAREC member countries “very active economic partners” for Georgia

Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Thursday told the 22nd Annual Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Ministerial Conference in the country’s capital of Tbilisi member countries of the CAREC represented “very active economic partners” for Georgia.

Davitashvili told the Conference it was an “honour” for the country to host the event for the first time, and noted it was an “important platform” for deepening economic relations and cooperation with the countries of Central Asia, the Caucasus and Southeast Asia. 

CAREC plays an important role in fostering better partnerships and teamwork to strengthen sustainable economic growth, shared prosperity and resilience in our region. Through developed strategies and operational frameworks, it provides an important policy review platform and acts as a forum for sharing ideas and practical recommendations, with the active involvement of experts and representatives of member countries”, he said.

Davitashvili stressed approximately $3 billion investment had been mobilised since the country joined the CAREC programme in 2016, and noted it was a “very significant and complex agenda” that included strengthening of ties in transport and logistics, digital and trade relations between the member countries of the CAREC programme.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili, Photo via Geovernment Administration

The Minister said restoring and strengthening ties - as discussed at the Conference - was “very important” for economic development and noted regional cooperation was also “highly significant” in infrastructure projects.

The motto of today's ministerial is ‘Reinvigorating Regional Cooperation in Times of Change’. Indeed, we live in an era of rapid changes and surprises. Strengthening our teamwork in the region is the main key to achieving joint progress and promoting green, sustainable and inclusive recovery”, the Minister added.

The Economy Ministry said the main theme of the meeting involved determination of measures, strategic goals and plans for climate change in the Black Sea region.

The Climate Change Vision Document developed by the CAREC aims to strengthen the region's resilience to climate risks and guide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low carbon economy. Other priority trade and economic directions of the CAREC involve deepening of cooperation between member countries in transport, energy, trade, tourism, communications and information technology.

The meeting features Masatsugu Asakawa, the President of Asian Development Bank, officials from 10 CAREC member countries, as well as representatives of the private sector, international diplomatic corps and donor organisations.