2021-01-28
Today's Government meeting at the Administration of the Government was held under the chairmanship of Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia. The Cabinet discussed 21 issues on its meeting agenda.
Key Statements Made by the Prime Minister of Georgia at the Executive Government Meeting Today
We need to essentially consider an issue that concerns us all here and our citizens. It is the quick, safe, prudent and gradual reopening of our economy. It was stated by Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia at the Executive Government Meeting today.
According to the Prime Minister, COVID restrictions imposed in late-November had a specific goal as the community transfer rate was extremely high and even exceeded 30% in some cities.
"As of today, I can tell you that out of 18 000 tests administered yesterday only 723 test-positive cases were detected. It is still high for us, though the indicator has dropped to around 4%. I wish to stress that when the community transfer rate will be 4% for 7 consecutive days, we will be able to baldly, but carefully and prudently reopen the economy. As it appears now, the current trend gives us grounds to be cautiously optimistic. That is why we need to start a discussion today lifting the restrictions earlier if the trend is maintained for the coming week as we managed to do last summer. It primarily applies to Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Rustavi. Reference is made here to education institutions to make sure that our children go to classes. It also relates to a gradual resumption of the municipal transport, so that the achievements made as a result of our joint efforts in the last two months do not get jeopardized. What is most important, we should do our best to maintain this achievement in a stable manner until we start a gradual reopening of the tourism sector" noted Giorgi Gakharia.
According to the Head of Government of Georgia, the economic team led by Maya Tskitishvili, Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia has been holding meetings with businesses for several days already to make sure that the reopening is sustainable, prudent and - what is most important - safeguarded.
"Two, three, four or five thousand cases a day will not let us talk about normal economic performance. That is why we all - together with our citizens - need to make steps in a most responsible and reasonable manner" stated Giorgi Gakharia.
At the same time, changes are being made to the structure of the Government of Georgia. Namely, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth will be separated from the existing line ministry. All the technical works are completed and a relevant draft of the Government Decree has been prepared. As announced by the Prime Minister of Georgia, this is a profoundly important step for the arts and sports representatives.
"Our cultural heritage, as well as modern art, is a most precious part of our life and we should all take good care of them. Same applies to sports, especially if we take into account the recent achievements made by our sportsmen in past years. They deserve a separate ministry. In addition, the Youth Agency so far operating under the subordination of the Government Administration, will be part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in line with the referred Government Decree" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.
In addition, launch of a reform applicable to state-owned enterprises (SOE) is being considered by the Government of Georgia. It is aimed at making the SOE management compliant with the best practices and cases of corporate governance.
As noted by the Head of Government of Georgia, it is not a mere wish, but a necessity caused by the current economic situation labeled as a global economic crisis.
"Government of Georgia is starting an active discussion on the SOE reform today and it is embodied in the Government Program as well. It is conceptualized as the most important process of our economic performance in 2021-2024. It is particularly crucial today - in the conditions of a global economic crisis and we will be launching it initially in the Georgian State Electrosystem (GSE). We will be discussing today how to staff the Supervisory Council of this public corporation to maintain the highest standards and requirements towards the management board and supervisory council members, who will be defining the operation of this facility in the coming years. In addition, a special workgroup will be established to manage the SOE reform to be led by Ivane Matchavariani, Minister of Finance of Georgia. This initiative will not cover only one enterprise but will rather be a precisely defined plan of consistent steps. Ultimately, we will be approximating the SOE management to the highest standards of corporate governance" stated Giorgi Gakharia.
Press Service of the Government Administration