Georgia, Tbilisi, May 30 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia /
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili addressed the participants of the Georgian-Latvian Business Forum, which took place in Riga on Wednesday.
The President spoke about the investment sphere in Georgia and stressed that there are no bureaucratic barriers in the country. This makes the country more attractive to investors.
"For the second day I hold meetings on the business prospects and opportunities of the country," he said. "Georgia can offer much. First of all, according to the World Bank, Georgia is the best place to do business in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet republics. We have a very fast procedure for property registration, fast customs procedures and transactions. There are houses of justice in Georgia, where you can obtain the services for a few minutes, requiring more time in other countries. Bureaucratic procedures have been simplified.
According to this index, our country is close to New Zealand. Regarding the infrastructure, Georgia is far ahead than some EU countries, especially new members. Roads, airports, sea ports are in a very good condition. We are building a new city Lasika on the seashore. Batumi port is controlled by the Kazakh operator. The Poti port bought "Maersk". Azerbaijani investors invest in Kulevi terminal. Lasika has a very interesting location, so I advise you to pay attention to these business opportunities. We want to introduce the British law, which will assign the special status to Lasika in accordance with the constitution.
There is also the airport. The entire infrastructure is in a good condition. As opposed to our neighbors, we do not have natural gas, but our country is free from crime. It is considered one of the safest countries in Europe. We have low taxes and transparent procedures. We cooperate with the entire region - Russia , Ukraine, the Caspian basin countries, but taking into account the historical and cultural heritage, we have special ties with your country. I would like to invite businessmen and tourists to Georgia."
The Latvian president also addressed the participants of the Georgian-Latvian business-forum. Andris Berzins emphasized the successful economic reforms in Georgia and stressed that Latvia is interested and willing to participate in joint projects in health and education.
"This business form is very important for the development of Latvia and Georgia," he said. "Despite the complexity and the global crisis, our relations are developing successfully. I am convinced that Georgia's future development will be successful. Georgia will join NATO and achieve success in integrating into the European Union. These two processes will help your country in solving many problems. Two priority areas - health and education successfully develop in Georgia. We can successfully cooperate in these areas. We promise that Latvia in any issue expresses support for intensifying our relations."
Several agreements were formalized within the business-forum. According to these agreements, several kinds of Georgian products will be exported to Latvia in July.
The Latvian side is interested in investing in Georgia, including the construction of hotels in the resort town of Anaklia. The joint projects are planned to be implemented in health and education.