Georgia, Tbilisi, March 21 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia /
According to Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri's forecasts, an agreement with the EU on free trade will be signed during the next 18 months. He told media on Wednesday that Georgia's regional functions will be further expanded after the negotiations on free trade with the EU are complete.
Gilauri said that the transformation into a regional centre provides Georgia with additional guarantees during a crisis. The Prime Minister stressed that he means an open economy, one without corruption, a good transport infrastructure and geographical position.
Georgia had the same geographical location 10 years ago, but then it failed to become a regional centre. Now, this is stipulated by the reforms and investments in the infrastructure, Prime Minister said.