“Economic and political cooperation amongst the countries of the South Caucasus is of the utmost importance if we are to secure prosperity, a strong economy and, above all, peace and stability in the region,” said Levan Zhorzhолiani, Head of the Georgian Government Administration, speaking at a panel discussion held on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

He noted that over the past four years, Georgia has recorded the highest economic growth figures in Europe.

“Our priority is economic development. Peace and the economy are closely bound together. Over the past four years, we have posted the highest figures in Europe. Our country’s average economic growth rate has stood at 9.3 per cent, whilst in January and February of the current year, growth of 8.4 per cent was recorded. Economic and political cooperation amongst the countries of the South Caucasus is vitally important if we are to ensure prosperity, a strong economy and, most crucially of all, peace and stability in the region.

The foundation of such growth figures is the ease of doing business. According to international indices, we rank amongst the leading nations. We also perform well in terms of cutting bureaucracy. The state is doing everything in its power to facilitate and attract foreign direct investment, to strengthen infrastructure and enhance connectivity.

Georgia’s geographical location is one of our country’s foremost advantages. We are doing everything we can to maintain sound infrastructure and to deliver major projects, such as the Anaklia Deep Sea Port and the Black Sea submarine cable. We believe that only this manner of cooperation holds the key to success,” said Levan Zhorzhоliani.