MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

“In terms of economic cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus, let me give a special highlight to the importance of further strengthening of the cooperation in such three important sectors as agriculture, maritime affairs and tourism,” – the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, George Kobulia stated in his speech at the Georgia-Cyprus Business Forum. 

President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades and Georgian President, Salome Zourabichvili attended the Opening Ceremony of the Forum organized by the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. President of the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nino Chikovani opened the Forum.

Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development highlighted that Georgia has very strong relations with the EU countries, but there is a vast opportunities for further strengthening of the relations between Georgia and the Republic of Cyprus. 

“I strongly believe that today’s event will be one of the effective tools to boost the cooperation and will facilitate business circles of both countries to have tight relations. We only welcome the strengthening of the cooperation with Cyprus in every sector,” – George Kobulia said.

“It is exciting that the positive dynamics of the cooperation in the transport sectors between Cyprus and Georgia has been recorded during the recent years and maritime and aviation sectors are of particular interest. As you know, since September 24, 2016, the Hungarian low-cost company Wizz Air launched regular Kutaisi- Larnaca-Kutaisi flights twice a week. This will facilitate development of the business relations and tourism between the states. I believe that we will further develop cooperation in this direction and have more frequent flights between our countries,” – George Kobulia stated. 

George Kobulia gave the special emphasis to the cooperation between the countries in the maritime sector. The close cooperation between Georgia and Cyprus is also expressed in the Agreement on Maritime Trade. We also have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on mutual recognition of the seafarers’ competence certificates, which allow Georgian sailors can serve on the vessels sailing under the Cypriot state flag.

“We welcome the operation of the famous shipbuilding company ‘Columbia Shipmanagement’ in Georgia. The company is actively involved in the Georgian seafarers’ employment. It is the main employer of Georgian sailors, in particular the company employs about 1000 Georgian sailors a year. This is very important for our country’s economy and I want to remind you that our sailors in the economy of the Adjara region have the same role as the tourism sector,” – the Minister noted that the Minister and noted that both countries have further expectations regarding the cooperation in this field.

The Minister highlighted that there is a huge potential of cooperation between the two countries in such sector, as agriculture. “We are establishing better grounds for cooperation including the cooperation in terms of exchanging exchange of experiences in developing different agro cultures, including citruses, olives and others. Cyprus has great experience in this direction and this sector is strategically important for the our agro-sector,” – the Minister noted.

Over 100 companies of both countries are participating in the Georgia-Cyprus Business Forum. This companies represent different sectors including international investments, IT services and web design, soft furniture and home accessories, agribusiness, real estate and property management, tourism, legal and Tax consultations, shipbuilding and other.