MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

As part of official visit to Baku, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili met with the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Mariam Kvrivishvili and Parviz Shahbazov discussed the priority directions of the energy policies of the two countries.

As noted at the meeting, Georgia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners in the energy sector. Mariam Kvrivishvili spoke with her Azerbaijani counterpart about ongoing and planned reforms in Georgia’s energy sector, as well as large-scale infrastructure projects being implemented in this field. The Minister paid special attention to the flagship projects of the energy cable connecting the South Caucasus electricity system to the European network, which are being implemented with the participation of several countries, including Georgia and Azerbaijan.

The ministers of the two countries also discussed the policy of promoting investments in the energy sector. As Mariam Kvrivishvili noted, Georgia has great hydropower potential, which allows for the implementation of large energy projects, and this is especially important for ensuring the country’s energy independence and energy security. According to Mariam Kvrivishvili, Georgia’s capabilities in energy sector allow for expanding cooperation not only in hydropower projects but also in wind, solar, and other non-traditional renewable energy sources. Accordingly, to attract further investments in the sector and create an attractive environment for investors, the Georgian government is implementing several important programs based on competition and market principles. This provides additional opportunities for investors to implement renewable energy projects in Georgia.

Mariam Kvrivishvili and Parviz Shahbazov emphasized the importance of cooperation in connection with the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project. The ministers also discussed issues of developing and expanding electricity infrastructure, which are stipulated by the agreement on strategic cooperation signed between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Deputy Ministers Genadi Arveladze and Guram Guramishvili, as well as the Ambassador of Georgia to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Zurab Pataradze also participated in the meeting.