“Georgia has always been a strong reformer and we look forward to Georgia returning to its reform agenda notwithstanding the COVID short-term crisis” World Bank (WB) Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Anna Bjerde stated after meeting with Georgian PM Irakli Garibashvili.

“We exchanged views with the Prime Minister on the future. We very much look forward to working on a new development strategy for the country. We really look forward to engaging in the reforms that the Government would like to pursue. I should mention that for us in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, Georgia has always been a strong reformer and we look forward to Georgia returning to its reform agenda notwithstanding the COVID short-term crisis. And we very much look forward to supporting areas that we see very important” she said.

According to Anna Bjerde, the World Bank assists Georgia in many directions, including the digital economy.

“We believe that digitalisation and the digital economy are the areas in which we will help the country. We are already assisting Georgia within the Log in Georgia project, which is very close to my heart. This programme involves the access of many thousands of people to high-speed internet, both in rural and urban areas, and this direction needs to be further strengthened. The country already has an ambitious program and plan for strengthening the economy and developing small and medium enterprises. Also, there are in-depth directions for competition and dynamic economic development. Finally, I must say that we will never lose sight of macroeconomic stability. It is crucial for all countries, including Georgia,” Anna Bjerde stated.