Saakashvili Hails ‘Positive Examples’ of Russo-Georgian Ties

President Saakashvili said, while visiting the Russian-owned Azoti chemical factory in the town of Rustavi on April 6 that this enterprise is an example of “positive cooperation” between Russia and Georgia. But he once again condemned Russia’s decision to ban the import of Georgian wines. He also spoke at length about the economic achievements which were made possible through, as he put it, his government’s effective policies.

He also hailed the leadership of the factory, which is owned by Energy Invest – a company founded by Russia’s VneshTorgBank – for its effective management.  

“A successful model of privatization was implemented here; much money is now being invested. I also think that this is a positive example of Georgian-Russian cooperation and such examples have become rare during the past period,” Saakashvili said.

“I am happy that over 3,000 people work at this factory,” he added.

“We want friendship with Russia; this factory is the result of friendship with Russia. We appreciate this friendship but we will always defend our interests,” he added. 

He also said that Russia’s recent decision to ban the import of Georgian wine was “a serious blow” for Georgia.
 
“We have received a serious blow from certain circles among the Russian authorities. Russia blocked the wine market for Georgia and Moldova. Last year Georgia processed three times as many grapes as before the [2003 Rose] Revolution; we produced three times as much wine than before the Revolution; falsification has been reduced 10 fold and what’s more, falsified Georgian wine does not exist any more. Under such conditions Russia has blocked the wine market for us, citing falsification as a reason. We will take urgent steps to save this sector,” Saakashvili said.    
 
He said that Georgia has launched a search for new markets, including in Ukraine, the Baltic States and Poland. “I am sure that we will sell a great part of those wines which were designated for the Russian market in other countries,” he added.
 
“We will find new markets and receive new opportunities and, at the same time, we will by all means return to the Russian market. This is our firm decision. We will carry out promotional campaigns for Georgian wine throughout the world. We will popularize our wine on foreign televisions, newspapers; we will hold wine forums in Russia, Ukraine, China, Japan, Turkey, Poland. We will invite wine producers to Tbilisi, who, I am confident, will like our products. And we will get through this blockade,” Saakashvili said.

He also said that despite problems, the Georgian authorities have managed to foster economic development in the country. He said that the country’s economic growth reached 9.5% in 2005.

“Last year, 54,000 entrepreneurs launched activities in Georgia. In the period between January [2006] and March [2006] 16,000 new firms and entrepreneurs were registered in Georgia. This means the creation of new work places in the country. In 2004-2005 the revenues from privatization exceeded the total revenues received up until 2000 by nine fold… The state budget of Georgia received [GEL] 752 million more in 2005 than was initially planned,” Saakashvili said.

He also said that the Georgian Parliament will soon adopt a new customs code, which is designed to simplify the existing custom requirements. “From the current 116 barriers only 30 will remain and we will even reduce this figure in the future,” he added.

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)