MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Issues related to the bilateral cooperation in tourism between the two countries were discussed at the meeting of the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia with the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism of India, Mahesh Sharma. The meeting was held within the framework of the Giorgi Gakharia’s official visit to India. The Ministers discussed the opportunities that the two states have in terms of cooperation in such sectors as tourism, trade, air communication and others. Georgia’s Ambassador to India Archil Dzuliashvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Genadi Arveladze and Ambassador of Georgia to Spain Zurab Pololikashivli also attended the meeting. Zurab Pololikashvili is a candidate to the position of the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization and supporting his candidature to this position at the up-coming elections by India was the topic of the discussion as well. 

“Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development started its visit to India today. The main goal of the visit is to sign the Memorandum on launching studies on feasibility of free trade between Georgia and India. It is a very important step, which will contribute greatly to further economic development of our country. We had our first meeting here with the Indian State Minister for Culture and Tourism where we discussed different topical issues including the opening of the Embassy of India in Georgia which will facilitate greatly in the development of economic and cultural exchange regimes as well as increasing their intensity” – Giorgi Gakharia stated.

Launching of the direct flights, according to the Minister, was also discussed during the meeting since it will facilitate to the rapid development of the economic relations between the countries. “We also talked about the up-coming UNWTO Secretary General elections in May and supporting of Zurab Pololikashvili – a candidate submitted by Georgia at the elections. The conversation was held in a very warm and friendly environment and I would like to highlight that economic cooperation between the two countries is starting its race,” – Giorgi Gakharia noted.

According to Zurab Pololikashvili, meeting with the India’s State Minister for Culture and Tourism was very productive since the Indian Minister expressed great interest in active cooperation with Georgia. “There are very interesting prospects for cooperation between Georgia and India. It is a large country located close to us. India’s market is very interesting and significant projects could be implemented there. Georgia’s Minister of Economy provide Indian partners with detailed information on Georgia’s prospects and opportunities. It is one of the first official high-rank visits and we believe the further dynamics of relations will be even more productive” – Pololikashivli stated.