Raising the Problems faced by Business at the Meeting with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development 

15 Dec '10

On December 15 the members of BAG held a meeting with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Ms. Vera Kobalia, Deputy Ministers and Head of National Investment Agency. The meeting aimed at establishing a framework of cooperation between the business and Ministry of Economy, discussing the problems faced by the business, exchanging information on attraction of investments and privatization process. The meeting was held in an interactive manner and businessmen were allowed to comprehensively discuss the issues of interest with the Minister.
According to the President of Association, Mr. Giorgi Chirakadze, the government and local business should work jointly to attract foreign investors. Business Association has the potential to create a platform for connecting Georgian large businessmen with foreign investors and finding the right business partner.
It was agreed at the meeting that the Association together with Investment Agency will set up a working group in charge of facilitation of export and import, as well as be actively involved in the working process with potential investors. The Minister informed the participants of the meeting about the novelties planned in the privatization process. Namely, due to relevant legislation amendments, already from 2011 it will be possible to manage state property via electronic auction. Increased involvement of businesses in the privatization process is also part of the plan. Furthermore, according to the Minister, as agreed with the business, catalogue of Georgian export products will be created in the nearest future to be submitted to stakeholder investors and partners abroad.
During second part of the meeting, businessmen discussed the problems faced by the business with the Minister. As stated by the Association's President, "Business has problems and Georgian President made an open announcement on this. However, I believe that we can work on finding solutions for these problems. We need to work in this area both with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and other institutions".