Georgian Economy Minister emphasises importance of “quality” foreign direct investments to boost country’s competitiveness
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Tuesday said “quality” foreign direct investments could enhance the country's competitiveness, in comments during the opening of a renovated citrus plant of Iberia Orbi in Kobuleti. Photo: Ministry of Economy
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Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Tuesday said “quality” foreign direct investments could enhance the country's competitiveness, in comments during the opening of a renovated citrus plant of Iberia Orbi in the Black Sea town of Kobuleti, which received a Georgian-Slovakian investment of over €3.5 million.
He said the company had “extensive” experience and could contribute “knowledge, qualifications, and expertise” to the region, adding the business had “all the necessary prerequisites” for successful continuation, including “full support” from central and local authorities for the investments to be successful.
This is a very promising start. We may see the establishment of a modern and competitive new enterprise, which will have great potential for development. This includes not only revitalising the enterprise but also further expansion, such as launching new production lines”, he said.
I believe this will be a significant addition to the value chain, contributing to improving the social conditions for those involved in agriculture and their crops, as well as strengthening our export potential. These are crucial factors”, Davitashvili added.
Otar Shamugia, the Minister of Agriculture, emphasised the importance of implementing large-scale projects for the development of the agricultural sector.
Every year, 10,000-15,000 tonnes of citrus fruits are processed in the region. It is crucial to operate a modern enterprise that ensures receiving and processing citrus from farmers, then making concentrated juice, which will be exported, including to the European Union market, thus creating added value. We welcome and will support the investors as much as possible”, he said.
The plant, which is now operational, is set to produce tangerines, citrus juice concentrate, and plastic boxes for fruit sales, with a capacity of up to 3,000 tonnes of cold storage for storing fresh fruits and vegetables.