On September 14, 2007 was held the Meeting of the Government of Georgia. The agenda consisted of 6 items.
Upon beginning of the Meeting the Prime Minister of Georgia Zurab Noghaideli stated that the Government continues consideration of the state budget for 2008. The budget drafting will be completed in the month-end and the budget will be presented to the Parliament.
Zurab Noghaideli also stated about the vintage in Kakheti. He said that the mechanism for successful vintage gas been developed finally. As a result of implementation of the state program "Rtveli-2007" supporting the vintage various companies were able to purchase 10000 tons grapes additionally. In connection with this the Prime Minister asked the agriculture minister Peter Tsiskarishvili to inform those attended about the current situation.
The agriculture minister of Georgia Petre Tsiskarishvili spoke about those measures which are implemented by the Government of Georgia for the successful vintage. Under the Government's order, from the reserve fund were assigned 5500 thousand GEL. The amount will be assigned to those companies which further will purchase grapes for production of brand spirit. At this stage are assigned 2 companies which have produced their financial securities which imply bank guarantees or mortgage. Other companies have also applied for assignments. However, they failed to provide securities. "As this is a loan we shall know for sure that the funds will be paid back to the state. This will be a low-interest and soft loan. Accordingly, those companies will be enabled to take part in the vintage for purchase of grapes in order to produce brand spirit. Hence, the main principle is not violated. We do not want to cause any destructive situation in the wine market where one companies will have a soft credit and some - a regular one, - stated Perre Tsiskarishvili.
The Prime Minister of Georgia Zurab Noghaideli also stated that in connection with an explosion which took place at the gas-filling station in Akhaltsikhe on September 13 the Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia, namely it Engineering Supervision Agency, was ordered to study the technical state of gas-filling stations in the country and, if necessary, to provide implementation of adequate measures.
Press Center of the Chancellery of the Government of Georgia