Minister of Economy of Georgia met with Mission Director of USAID/Georgia
By Khatia Bzhalava
Thursday, August 27
The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava met Peter Wiebler, Mission Director of USAID/Georgia. At the meeting, the sides focused on the USAID Economic Security Program and talked about plans, such as financial assistance to Economy Sectors during the post-pandemic period, including light industry, tourism, information technologies, and others.
Peter Wiebler informed the Minister about the progress of cooperation between the USAID Economic Security Program and agencies within the Ministry's system in the direction of supporting product development, marketing, strategy, and the fight against the new coronavirus. It was noted that the efforts of the USAID Economic Security Program aim at economic growth and development in value chains and sectors such as light industry, tourism, creative industries, shared intellectual services and solid waste management.
“USAID has made a very important decision to extend its support, assistance, and funding to the programs, which the Agency will implement in coordination with the ministry and its agencies,” said Natia Turnava, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development.
According to the minister, it is important to support tourism during the harsh times of the pandemic, and to support investment politics, especially in such fields, where high values are created. As Turnava said, another prioritised direction is the privatization of the state property, under which the Economic Security Program will support the state to attract potential investors. She stated that electronic commerce and other high-tech fields will be assisted as well.
According to Wiebler, the main reason why the Economic Security Program should continue is that it facilitates the recovery of the economy after the Coronavirus and includes (light industry, electronic commerce, and Information Technologies programs.
