Georgia nice place to do business –Israel Business Forum "We Build Together" |
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On May 12, a Georgian-Israel business forum entitled "We Build Together" was held at the Courtyard Marriott, to celebrate Israel's 60th anniversary. Therefore, 60 Israeli-led investment projects currently in progress in Georgia were presented at the conference.
The investment projects are being carried out in many sectors, including agriculture, technology, tourism, aviation, and in the dominating real estate sector.
The forum was organized by the Israel-Georgia Chamber of Business, where participated over 150 representatives of 100 Israeli companies. The general sponsor of business forum was TBC Bank, we are cooperating with for 12 years.
The business forum opened with speeches by the president of the Israel-Georgia Chamber of Business, the minister of Economic Development of Georgia, and the Ambassador of the state of Israel to Georgia. There were also speeches by several other representatives from Georgian and Israeli private sector and representatives from governmental structures. |
The opening speeches were followed by consultations on legal, financial and audit issues.
Ia Chantladze famous singer, businesswoman and the head of PR and News Projects department at the Georgia-Israel Chamber of Business, made a presentation of the launch of an international magazine "MTL" in Georgia and explained that although the main aim of the event was to promote Georgian-Israeli economic relations, it was also an expression of friendship between two countries.
In the evening, on grand opening of the forum Ia Chantladze and the Georgian National Choir "Georgian Voices" performed famous Israeli songs prepared especially for the event, finishing with the national anthems of both countries.
Ceremony devoted to the 60th anniversary of State of Israel was opened by the president of Israel-Georgia chamber of business, Mr. Itsik Moshe. He presented his speech in Georgian and Hebrew languages, where he mentioned: “The route from losing of 60 million dollars to 60 successful projects is longer than with 1 billion dollars investments from today”.
On grand opening Lado Gurgenidze, Georgian Prime Minister, made a speech, also was shown video clip specially dedicated to the business forum.
Israeli investors are well aware of the current political tensions in Georgia, they remain confident that it will not damage their long-term plans, and all seem happy to do business with Georgia. In the statement of the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel, President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili mentioned:
“Last year, more than a billion dollar investments were allocated in Georgia and we are expecting that this amount will be doubled this year. This is a clear indication that investing in our country is safe and profitable indeed. I as a President of Georgia would like to assure the potential investors that their business and their money will be safely protected in our country. The investment resource has not yet completely been utilized in Georgia and I would like to advice everyone not to miss this opportunity”.
On the occasion of the Israel Economic Forum in Georgia the President of Israel, Shimon Peres made his greetings: “Georgia’s democratic principles and its political stability put Georgia on the international economic map and constitute a source of attraction for foreign investments. I am glad that relations between Israel and Georgia are so firmly rooted, that Israel is seen by Georgia as a strategic business partner and investors from Israel in Georgia are spearheading the promotion of a wide range of projects that will enhance Israel-Georgia economic relations further. Israel attaches much importance to its relations with Georgia and the close cooperation between us in building a thriving economic partnership can only but strengthen the existing bonds between our two countries and peoples”.
And taking into consideration the fact, that "Israel is a small country but with a big potential", as Lasha Jvania evaluated it, the forum is supposed to be one step forward in developing economic situation in Georgia.
As the Georgian Minister of Economic Development, Ekaterine Sharashidze mentioned:
"This forum is very important for the development of our country. Hundreds of investments are already made in Georgia from Israel, and today's forum will really be helpful for attracting new investors, and consequently for creating new industries and new jobs".
Business forum lasted three days. On May 13 was a reception at TBC Bank headquarters and 40 personal meetings organized for special guests of the event covering specific areas of interest. On May 14 was organized jeep tour to Khazbegi.
   
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