The focus of today’s meeting with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was primarily on business, with no political topics discussed, according to Temur Chkonia, General Manager of Coca-Cola Bottlers Georgia.
“The conversation centered on business-related matters. Politics was not on the agenda,” Chkonia said after the meeting with the Prime Minister and other business representatives.
He also mentioned that the discussion briefly touched on optimization within state agencies.
“It may sound awkward, but the issue of optimization and reducing unemployment was raised. It’s well known that many state agencies are overstaffed. However, nothing controversial or scandalous was brought up. These meetings are more about motivation and engagement than major announcements or strategic planning,” Chkonia added.
When asked about the economic challenges facing the country, Chkonia responded that such issues are not unique to Georgia.
“No country is without problems—be they economic or social. Such a place simply doesn’t exist, not even in heaven. So how can one claim there is no crisis in a country? It all depends on how you define it—whether you call it a crisis or just a problem,” he said.
Journalists also inquired whether the case involving Lelo party leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze was discussed. Chkonia replied that the format of today’s meeting was not suitable for that topic.
“Mamuka and Badri are my friends, and I care deeply about their situation. I speak about them often, but there’s a proper time and place for that discussion—today’s meeting wasn’t it,” he stated.
Irakli Kvergelidze, General Director of the development company Orbi Group, described the meeting as productive and inspiring.
“We discussed a range of issues with both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy. Many promising initiatives were presented across various sectors—healthcare, real estate development, transport, and services,” Kvergelidze said.
He also praised Georgia’s economic progress.
“In terms of economic growth, Georgia is a leader in Europe and ranks among the top countries globally. Economic growth is the primary metric for assessing a country’s economic health, and Georgia’s performance is impressive by international standards,” he noted.
Zurab Chkhaidze, founder of the Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking Group, highlighted the Prime Minister’s presentation on economic development.
“Prime Minister Kobakhidze delivered a comprehensive and high-level presentation outlining a new economic development strategy. It differs significantly from previous plans, addressing the country’s current challenges and covering key areas such as energy, demographics, and overall national progress,” Chkhaidze said.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze held a meeting with over 80 representatives from various business sectors at the Government Administration.
