UAE Minister of Economy Leads High-level Delegation to Georgia

Meets Georgian Prime Minister and Discusses Matters of Mutual Interest

Tbilisi-Georgia: 19 May, 2015 – His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, is leading a high-level UAE delegation on a three-day official visit to Georgia. In an early outcome of the visit, Al Mansouri met with Georgian Prime Minister His Excellency Irakli Garibashvili in the presence of high ranking officials from both sides.

The UAE Minister of Economy and the Georgian Prime Minster discussed approaches to strengthening bilateral relations in the economic, trade and investment sectors. The two sides also examined avenues for cooperation in the aviation space through increasing the number of direct flights between the UAE and Georgia. Potential investment opportunities in the transport, tourism, energy and manufacturing industries were also explored.

Additionally, the UAE and Georgia agreed to step-up mutual participation in trade exhibitions, fairs and business forums in their respective countries, and pledged to encourage the active engagement and collaboration of business communities – particularly SMEs. 

Al Mansouri said: “Economic and trade relations have been improving steadily during the last few years, and proportionately the volume of trade exchanged between the two countries has also surged. The total trade volume between the UAE and Georgia was valued at approximately US$196 million in 2014. Given the strong, friendly relations the two countries enjoy, we believe there is significant potential for growth in the economic relations between the UAE and Georgia. I am confident that both the UAE and Georgia have so much to offer each other and look forward to seeing our two countries build new synergies for the mutual benefit of our people.”

For his part, the Georgian Prime Minister appreciated the visit of the UAE Minister of Economy and the high-ranking UAE delegation. Reiterating Georgia’s keenness to boost cooperation with the UAE, His Excellency Garibashvili said his country offers an enabling investment climate to UAE businesses keen to establish a presence in Georgia. Notably, the Georgian premier commended the UAE’s economic achievements that have transformed the country into a major regional and international economic player within a short span of time.  

The UAE delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Economy, UAE International Investors Council, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, Dubai Exports, Abu Dhabi Ports Company, and key business representatives from across the emirates.