The FINANCIAL — The fourth session of the Georgian-Belarussian Intergovernmental Economic Commission was summarized with signing of the Joint Protocol, which reflected all the prioritized socio-economic projects and directions of the cooperation between the two countries.
The Session was co-chaired by the First Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, Dimitry Kumsishvili and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, Mikhail Rusyi.
Co-Chairs of the Commission session briefly reviewed the priority directions of cooperation between the countries in the statements made before the beginning of the session. It was especially highlighted that the strengthening of economic ties between Georgia and Belarus was boosted following the meeting of the Heads of the two countries. Co-Chairs of the Commission gave the highest evaluation of the official visit of the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko to Georgia, which is scheduled in March, this year.
The Commission discussed all the significant economic issues of the two countries aiming at developing relations between Georgia and Belarus in such areas as bilateral trade and elimination of the relevant obstacles, cooperation in the transport and logistics, which will result in increasing of the trade turnover between the two countries. Establishment of joint assembly ventures allowing using of the Belarus technologies for creation of a number of socially important products. The discussion also covered a joint venture established at the basis of cooperation of the Georgian Technical University and the Belarus company – JSC Mogilevliftmash, which will introduce new lifts to the market in a few months.
The Commission found of outmost importance the fact of opening the Belarus food and beverage stores in Georgia. At this point, work on opening of the Georgian stores in Belarus is underway. As the Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, Mikhail Rusyi noted, it is essential that Belarus people would have the opportunity to buy high quality Georgian products.
Increase of the export volume of the Georgian wine to Belarus was also discussed at the meeting. It was noted that the issue will soon be settled taking into consideration the peculiarities of the relevant laws of the Republic of Belarus, according to Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.
It was highlighted that the increase in the tourist flow was preconditioned by the existence of the direct flights between Georgia and Belarus. At this point, the Belarus Belavia conducts regular direct flights to Tbilisi and Batumi. The Commission agreed on further cooperation between the countries on adding additional flights.
Cooperation will also be deepened in the transport and logistic sectors. The importance of development of all existing transport directions, including the usage of the Georgian marine port capabilities was also stressed during the meeting.
Cooperation between Georgia and Belarus pharmaceutical companies was also a topic of consideration at the session.
The Commission also talked about the products which are imported by Belarus and at the same time, produced in Georgia. It was noted that there is a possibility of achieving great progress in this direction. Such products include ferroalloys, spirits, especially brandy, nuts, etc.
The Commission also signed the protocol of the third meeting of the Georgia-Belarussian Trade and Economic Development Working Group, whose main pillars were already reflected in the final protocol of the Intergovernmental Commission. Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Genadi Arveladze signed the protocol on the behalf of Georgia.
An agreement between the Kakheti Region of Georgia and the Minsk Region of Belarus was also signed at the Commission session. The Agreement implies organizing of the bilateral trade and economic and social-cultural events in 2018-2019.