MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Natia Turnava reported to the Parliament within the Interpellation procedure upon the request of the European Georgia.

Natia Turnava answered all the questions of the MPs related to the Government’s action plan in the conditions of the pandemic, flight restrictions and quarantine rules, economic policy and other important issues. As the Minister noted, due to the pandemic, the targeted and effective policy of the Government is measured by one measure – saving the lives, and since Georgia has taken measures ahead of many other countries, we have the lowest mortality rate.

As for the Government’s economic policy against the background of the pandemic, according to Natia Turnava, we are one of the first in the region where there are signs of economic recovery and the rate of decline will be -4,5, -5 percent.

“The economy is hit not by restrictions, but by the uncontrolled spread of the virus. Enterprises cannot work during the uncontrolled spread of the virus. We have taken the necessary measures in time and this is reflected in a number of international ratings. International credit agencies have left the most critical and conservative rankings unchanged which means that investors believe in Georgia’s economic future,” – the Minister noted.

In response to the parliamentary opposition’s criticism, Natia Turnava cited several successful examples of state programs, including the Enterprise Georgia program.

“Over 34 thousand new jobs have been created within the framework of the Enterprise Georgia program – the effectiveness of each of our programs is primarily measured by the number of new jobs. I am proud to say that effective budget programs such as Enterprise Georgia have been and are being funded from the budget - more than 600 Georgian enterprises, small and medium-sized hotels are still funded and this program has become one of the levers of anti-crisis policy,” – the Minister noted.

According to Natia Turnava, over 6000 families have received micro-grants, a credit-guarantee scheme has already been launched, which helps businesses to fill working capital, not burn the burden of bank loans and pay salaries.

Turnava also highlighted some other effective state programs that are being implemented by the Government, including the 3-year gasification program, which will increase the gasification level of the population up to 90%.