2019-12-07
Today, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia familiarized himself with the process of citrus export in Batumi.
The Prime Minister, together with Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara Tornike Rizhavadze, visited the Batumi Port's Ferry Station where ships are loaded with tangerine containers.
This year's expected tangerine harvest reaches 55,000 tons. Then product is of high quality, which determines its high market price.
According to the Prime Minister, this so-called orange harvest has proved a success. There are no problems when it comes to citrus pricing and selling-most importantly, we see that Adjara's farmers are happy as they encounter no problems selling their products, which is exciting, of course. And it should be credited to the Government of Adjara, as it is in the case of the stadium, and the effective implementation of such an important project. In all this, the contribution of the Government of Adjara is immense. What matters most about our today's working meetings is the issue of new jobs. We all understand well that, despite everything, our economy needs faster growth. We must support the empowerment and development of local businesses, and attract and support investors as well. As you know, we expect a growth in our FDIs these last few months, and we will do everything to make sure that Georgian business is stronger, so that it can create new jobs, this way supporting our country's economic growth," Giorgi Gakharia underlined.
To ensure streamlined storage of harvested goods, a coordination center operates with support from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Government of Adjara.
Processing plants are standing ready to accept non-standard products. The amount of tangerines received by the plants for processing has already exceeded 405 tons. The storage of citruses in Adjara and Guria engages 25 companies, of which 14 work on export. These companies include 5 enterprises financed under the Unified Agro Project.
In terms of processing fruits, including citruses, 7 new enterprises financed under the Unified Agro Project operate in the Regions of Adjara and Guria, and one more enterprise has expanded its operations. Their cumulative investment exceeds 10 million GEL. The companies have created 155 new jobs.
Georgian citruses are competitive and meet international market standards. This year, 4 countries (Slovenia, Singapore, Lithuania, and Qatar) have joined our traditional markets (Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan). Belarus has also expressed interest.
Prime Minister's Press Office