Georgian Economy Minister emphasises Gov’t’s commitment to developing maritime infrastructure

Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashhvili on Tuesday highlighted the Government’s commitment to “rapidly developing” the domestic maritime infrastructure in line with international standards, while also emphasising the strategic importance of the sector and the “significant role” played by Georgian sailors in its development.

Today, we can confidently say that Georgia is a respected member of the international maritime community. Our maritime sector plays a crucial role as a major transport and transit route connecting Europe and Asia”, Davitashvili said in comments marking the international Day of the Seafarer.

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The Minister also highlighted the Government’s focus on improving maritime services and infrastructure to meet international standards, as well as efforts to revitalise the domestic fleet.

We are actively working to improve maritime services and infrastructure and bring them in line with international standards, including in the port sector. The country successfully fulfilled its commitment to the International Maritime Organisation and [...] launched the National Maritime Single Window System in pilot mode on January 1”, he said.

The Minister also mentioned efforts for modernising education and certification systems for seafarers.

I believe we are making good progress on the task. We have implemented several systemic reforms and innovative projects to modernise the education and certification system for seafarers in accordance with international standards”, he noted.

The results we have achieved so far have enabled us to enter a new phase of reforms, particularly in relation to the employment of seafarers, protection of their labour rights and establishment of social benefits”, the Minister added.

Davitashvili said a new law to regulate labour and social conditions for seafarers would come into force on July 1, “ushering in new employment opportunities and labour rights”.

The Minister said there were over 18,000 Georgian sailors on ships flying the flag of the country and 74 other states, adding the numbers “confirm the role and contribution” of Georgian sailors to the economy of the country.

He emphasised the restoration and development of the domestic fleet as an “important topic” and pointed out the Produce in Georgia state programme had several initiatives aimed at providing employment for Georgian sailors on ships sailing under the national flag.

Individuals in the maritime profession were recognised and awarded for their “exceptional contributions” and “bravery at sea” during the celebration, the Ministry of Economy said.