Georgian Deputy Economy Minister: AI-driven transformation of traditional sectors “priority” of Govt’s policy

Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Irakli Nadareishvili on Wednesday told the seventh Hongqiao International Economic Forum in China that transformation of traditional sectors of the Georgian economy through artificial intelligence represented a “priority” of the Government’s economic policy.

Speaking at the Forum on use of artificial intelligence in the process of industrialisation, Nadareishvili highlighted Georgia’s commitment to fostering innovation and technological development as part of its broader strategy for sustainable economic growth.

The official noted the Government had made significant progress in modernising its economic sectors, positioning the country as a “regional hub” for technology and IT companies, with over 150 of this kind of companies now operating in Georgia.

More than 10,000 local and foreign specialists are employed in these businesses, which has dramatically altered our export structure. In 2023, IT services exports reached $900 million, an unprecedented figure for Georgia”, he said.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the Government’s strategy for AI and its integration into various sectors of the economy, emphasising the importance of maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly digital world, adding it required “more than just the right infrastructure and business-friendly tax laws”.

Nadareishvili also noted the Government’s efforts in creating a “developed innovative startup ecosystem”, which had been supported by the establishment of Georgia's Innovation and Technology Agency and the launch of nine technology parks across the country.

This year, we started implementation of the largest and most ambitious project - Kutaisi technology hub [in the country's west], which will combine an interactive science and technology museum, a startup accelerator, an international IT school, various innovative laboratories, and, most importantly, a cutting-edge data centre focused on advancing AI research and implementation”, he told the forum.

He pointed out the works at the Kutaisi technology hub would be focused on implementing artificial intelligence across healthcare, education, agriculture, biotechnology, public services, and ultimately, in business and the economy.

The Forum is part of the China International Import Expo, a trade fair held annually in Shanghai. The Georgian delegation includes around 40 companies showcasing their products and services across three distinct pavilions, with the support of Enterprise Georgia, the state agency promoting entrepreneurship, investment and exports.