Minister Zaharieva: It’s time to step up trade with Georgia
11 March 2019 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva discussed with Tamuna Liluashvili, the newly appointed ambassador of Georgia to this country, the prospects for the economic relations between the two nations.
‘I am happy to see an ambassador with expertise in economics and investments. I believe that one of our most important responsibilities is to highlight the business opportunities of our countries and step up the visible trade, tourism and cultural ties between us,’ stressed Minister Zaharieva in her welcoming address to Tamuna Liluashvili. Prior to taking charge of the Georgian Embassy in Bulgaria, Ms. Liluashvili had served as senior economic adviser to the Ministry of the Economy of Georgia.
Minister Zaharieva underscored that our two countries have outstanding political relations between themselves, but it’s time for them to acquire a stronger economic dimension by stepping up the business ties between the respective private sectors. The Deputy Prime Minister reminded her guest that Bulgaria is among the countries that most strongly and consistently support Georgia on the road to its Euro-Atlantic integration.
‘There is a lot of potential for our relations, especially in trade, investments and tourism,’ Minister Zaharieva underscored. She cited as an example the proposed launch of direct flights between Sofia and Tbilisi. ‘The absence of direct flights is an obstacle not just to tourism, but to the business ties between the two countries,’ Minister Zaharieva noted. In her words, trade between the two countries has been increasing with each passing year. ‘Bulgaria is one of Georgia’s biggest trading partners, and the launch of direct scheduled flights will only strengthen that trend,’ Minister Zaharieva said.
The parties also discussed the possibility for Bulgaria to receive and share experience with experts from the Georgian public administration. ‘In this way, you can benefit from Bulgaria’s experience as a country whose civil servants have accumulated considerable expertise,’ our Foreign Minister underscored.
Ekaterina Zaharieva and Tamuna Liluashvili also discussed the upcoming 6th session of the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation, scheduled to be held in Sofia. Ambassador Liluashvili expressed gratitude for Bulgaria’s support for her country.
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