Georgian PM says Gov’t to unveil “ambitious plans” for education, culture, sport, healthcare, economy, foreign policy

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said the Government aimed to present “ambitious plans” in education, culture, sports, healthcare, social security, economy, and foreign policy as part of its election programme.

Our main task is to maintain a high rate of economic growth, which has already enabled us to enhance the social conditions in the country”, Kobakhidze, who leads the Georgian Dream’s electoral office, told the domestic media at a campaign event in Mtskheta, the former capital of the country in central Georgia.

He highlighted the decrease in the poverty rate, claiming “700,000” people had risen out of poverty due to the “rapid” economic growth experienced in the country.

However, this is not enough, our ambitious task is to eradicate poverty to the end, and of course, for this we need to maintain a high rate of economic growth”, Kobakhdze said.

The Prime Minister also outlined “ambitious” infrastructure projects, including the completion of the “historic” project for Rikoti Pass - a major crossing between eastern and western parts of Georgia - and the construction of the Tbilisi-Batumi highway - linking the capital city to the Black Sea city. He also said the East-West highway would extend to the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Additionally, plans were announced for the construction of a deepwater port in the Black Sea town of Anaklia and a new international airport for Tbilisi.

Kobakhidze also said the Government would also present an “ambitious” plan in education, which would specifically focus on university education.