Economy minister says Georgia can be “leader” in connecting South Caucasus, Central Asia to EU

Georgian economy minister Levan Davitashvili on Wednesday said Georgia could be a “leader” in the process of connecting the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asian regions with the European Union.

Photo: ministry of economy

Georgian economy minister Levan Davitashvili on Wednesday said Georgia could be a “leader” in the process of connecting the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asian regions with the European Union.

Making the comment following his meeting with Kadri Simson, the European Commissioner for Energy and Adina Vălean, the Commissioner for Transport, Davitashvili said his country had “confidence and unconditional historical advantages” to fulfil the role.

The Georgian government did “very important work” throughout the past year to ensure Central Asian states, Azerbaijan and other regional states are “closely connected” with the EU, the minister highlighted.

He added the country could also play an “important role” in the economic security and development of Europe.

Europe is looking for alternative sources of energy supply, alternative routes for the European economy in general, alternative connection with Asia and main trade partners – in this regard, our country can play the role of an important and reliable partner, which Georgia is able to do today, and the potential of this cooperation is even greater”, Davitashvili said.
The Georgian official stressed sectoral integration was an “important prerequisite” for the country to finally become a full member of the EU.

“You know that Georgia has fulfilled more than 60 percent of its obligations defined by the agreement [with the EU] on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area – this is an important prerequisite for Georgia’s progress towards EU membership to continue, and this was noted by the European Commissioners”, Davitashvili said.

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