“Bidzina Ivanishvili is not afraid of any sanctions. Informal measures have been in place against him since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. His assets have been frozen, yet this man remains unfazed by sanctions,” stated Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

Commenting on who serves as the Georgian Dream’s business ambassador within Georgia, the head of government clarified that the country has only one official representative in economic and business affairs: the Minister of Economy.

“We have only one business ambassador, both domestically and internationally, and that is the Minister of Economy. The Minister of Economy engages with our partners, including those abroad, on economic and business issues; this is her core responsibility. A business person is free to speak with anyone on their own behalf, although this does not fall within our official responsibilities.

As for the government, the Minister of Economy represents us in economic and business relations. Ordinary people may communicate with others independently; that is their personal matter. But when it comes to government representation, the Minister of Economy speaks on our behalf regarding the economy and business, both domestically and internationally. The Minister articulates the state’s interests in its dealings with business. Conversations between businessmen are private matters; they are not part of the government’s role,” Kobakhidze explained.