Panel Discussion on Economic Development Held at the Ambassadors’ Conference
As part of the Ambassadors' Conference, a panel discussion on the topic of economic development was held. The discussion was moderated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Botchorishvili, and featured the participation of the First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Levan Davitashvili; the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, Irakli Karseladze; the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Davit Songhulashvili; and the Minister of Finance, Lasha Khutsishvili.
The panelists discussed the country’s double-digit economic growth, significant reforms, and the dynamics of ongoing projects within their respective ministries.
Levan Davitashvili, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, elaborated on ongoing reforms and major projects under active implementation by his ministry. He highlighted the country’s robust double-digit economic growth and emphasized initiatives in transportation and logistics, entrepreneurship development, trade policy, innovation and technology, tourism, and energy. Special attention was given to the Black Sea Submarine Cable Project, scheduled for completion by 2030, which will enable Georgia to directly export electricity to European countries. Additionally, the discussion covered the Anaklia Port project, envisioned to significantly enhance Georgia’s role in cargo transit.
Irakli Karseladze, Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, reviewed the ministry’s achievements over the past year, emphasizing Georgia’s integral role in the global trade and transit network. Modernizing the country’s road infrastructure remains a key government priority. To date, Georgia boasts 367 kilometers of high-standard highways, with further sections under construction. He highlighted the opening of a new 48-kilometer segment of the Rikoti Highway and shared updates on completed, ongoing, and planned regional development projects.
Davit Songhulashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, discussed the ministry’s achievements and future plans. Over the past 12 years, the government has implemented targeted, results-oriented measures to support agricultural development. Over the next four years, with international partnerships, Georgia aims to enhance its global market presence and competitiveness. The minister underscored the necessity of continuing reforms and maximizing the country’s resources and potential.
He detailed state programs that have significantly boosted the production of high-quality Georgian products, noting that state support for the agricultural sector will increase to nearly 3 billion GEL from 2025 to 2028. Songhulashvili also addressed environmental sustainability, emphasizing natural resource protection and ecological balance. Marketing initiatives to promote Georgian wine and other agricultural products in diversified markets are expected to increase wine exports to $500 million by 2028.
Lasha Khutsishvili, Minister of Finance, reviewed the ministry’s accomplishments and outlined future plans. He emphasized the macroeconomic indicators achieved over the past four years, affirming the government’s commitment to maintaining and improving fiscal stability. According to Khutsishvili, this stability will provide a solid foundation for implementing the reforms and initiatives outlined in the government program.
The discussion underscored Georgia's progress and ambitions in economic development, infrastructure modernization, environmental sustainability, and fiscal policy, reflecting the country’s commitment to achieving its long-term strategic goals.