Economy Minister says Georgia, US keen to deepen ties
Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili said the US was a “strategic partner” of his Government, adding both countries were “keen” to deepen economic and other ties. Photo: Ministry of Economy
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Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Monday said the United States was a “strategic partner” of his Government, adding both countries were “keen” to deepen economic and other ties.
We are eager to see more results. We put in a lot of effort every year to review our existing trade agreements and make progress. We believe there should be more liberal regimes for important export products for Georgia, and we hope to see this improvement soon”, Davitashvili said.
The Minister added there were “continuous talks” with American partners about “advancements in free trade” and “elimination of trade barriers”, while also noting the “current global situation” and trade policy decisions the US was faced with.
Recently, the world has undergone several changes, including the US altering its trade policies towards numerous countries. [The US] must now establish new priorities concerning trade relations. In this context, Georgia, being a strategic partner, will be given due consideration [...] We are committed to ensuring that Georgia's voice is heard in all relevant formats, and that its priorities are taken into account in the new policy”, Davitashvili said.
He also highlighted the Government’s efforts in deepening bilateral ties with the US.
We keep working to attract high-quality investments from America, [and] promote direct flights. We are fully prepared to make the necessary infrastructure changes in our airports to support this goal. However, we need more support because our efforts alone are not enough”, the official pointed out.
The Minister added it could be “challenging” to start new direct flights commercially, but added promoting trade, tourism and people-to-people relations would be “essential”.
Davitashvili highlighted “successful” cooperation with the US in technology and innovation, and noted the countries had made “progress” in the IT sector, which he said had generated over a billion dollars in revenue for Georgia last year.
The strategic cooperation between Georgia and the United States and prospects for its strengthening were discussed on Friday in a meeting between the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Robin Dunnigan, the Ambassador of the US to the country.
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Friday said the Government was ready to “take all necessary steps” to elevate its trade and investment partnership with the United States and its business community to a “new level”.
Robin Dunnigan, the United States Ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday said she was “very pleased” over Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s first official visit to Brussels this week and said she hoped to see the country as a member of the European Union in “years ahead”.
Robin Dunnigan, the United States Ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday said western integration was “important” for the economic development of the country and for launching visa-free travel with the US.
The defence cooperation between Georgia and the United States was discussed on Monday in a meeting between the Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani and Daniel Lasika, the Director of Planning, Policy, Strategy and Capabilities of the US European Command.
Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili on Wednesday accused Giorgi Kodua, the founder of Air Georgia, of “intentionally spreading false and biased information” on the Government having prevented the airline from launching direct flights to the United States.
Robin Dunnigan, the United States Ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday highlighted her Government’s support for Georgia and its transition to becoming a European Union member state.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday said the Government’s goal was to transform the “long-term strategic partnership” with the United States into “concrete economic and people-to-people” relations in areas including visa-free travel, direct flights and investments.
Levan Davitashvili, the First Vice Prime Minister and Economy Minister of Georgia, on Wednesday rejected claims by Giorgi Kodua, the founder of Air Georgia, who said the Government had prevented the airline from launching direct flights to the United States, as “speculation”.