Georgia, Tbilisi / Trend corr. N.Kirtskhalia / Mikhail Saakashvili, the Georgian President, has stated that Georgia has commenced exporting eggs and mutton to Azerbaijan.
"The volume is not large, but we have just begun exporting to Azerbaijan and other countries. Thanks to Azerbaijan, Georgia fully satisfies its current gas demands," M.Saakashvili said. "We have a trusted alternative source of energy, Azerbaijan, which allows us to develop our economy," the President noted.
M.Saakashvili announced the commencement of the program of "100 agro-industry enterprises". "Most of the working people of Georgia reside in villages, where unemployment is high. The reason is that the individuals posses their own land, but do not contribute to the economic turnover," Saakashvili said. "Our goal is to guarantee an incentive for businessmen to find more qualified work. New technical schools have opened, there are training programs for skilled personnel, but we require more skilled specialists. We are hiring skilled specialists in the construction field from Turkey," the President reported. According to Saakashvili, Georgia has become a corruption-free country, which has affected the development of the economy.
By the end of 2008 roads in all regions of Georgia will be re-constructed. We should provide good roads in almost 80%-90% of the central part of the country. The president hopes to draw about $60 or $80mln on the construction of agro industry complexes within two years. After 4 or 5 years Georgia will receive about $500-600mln, which will be allocated for the needs of the State. Saakashvili denied information that all farmers are involved into economic activities. "We will create jobs where farmers are able to earn money," the president said.
In the last two years a total of 10-15 large agro-industries, 108 medium to small enterprises were opened in the country.