Business Association of Georgia held discussions on the Economic Development Concept

10 Feb '14

Business Association of Georgia held a round-table discussion on the Concept of Long-term Economic Development of Georgia previously developed by the Association. Representatives of the World Bank , European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Asian Development Bank (ADB), US and British embassies, as well as government executive and legislative branches, various business associations, research organizations and representatives of Business Association member companies, who participated in the process of the concept development. The Concept of Economic Development drafted by the Business Association of Georgia reflects on the vision of the large part of business sector on how to develop the country's economy throughout 2014-2020 and which strategic objectives need to be met to this end. With the proposed vision, Georgia strives to become competitive in the region, export-oriented, with an economy based on the free market principles, to build a high quality education system, and a country which is based on European values. An important pre-condition for the implementation of the Concept is the declaration by the Government of the basic principles, which forms the basis for a favorable, predictable business environment and significantly contributes to the development of the private sector. The document developed by the Business Association of Georgia provides a detailed description of the objectives that, as concluded by the Association, are strategically important for a long-term and rapid development of the country's economy. As pointed out by the President of the Business Association George Chirakadze in his concluding remarks, "The Business Association of Georgia welcomes the conclusion of the first stage of working on the Government's Economic Strategy document and we remain hopeful, that the views of the association will be duly reflected in the Economic Strategy of the Government". The meeting, held in Tbilisi Marriot, was aimed at engaging all parties and stakeholders participating in the economic processes of the country in the discussion of main issues identified in the concept.