PM Garibashvili presents annual report, 10-year development plan in parliament

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has presented his annual report, as well as the government’s 10-year development plan in the state legislature earlier today. 

Garibashvili said that the government’s goal is to increase GDP per capita to $10,000 over the next ten years and to decrease the unemployment rate to nine percent. 

He stated that the government will subsidise mortgage loans for families with children and boost support for policemen, soldiers and doctors. 

Garibashvili said that in the near future Georgia and an Israeli company will start producing American M4 rifles in Georgia, while next year, in cooperation with international partners, the country will produce unmanned aerial vehicles. 

He stated that the government will draft the social-economic development strategy of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions. At the initial stage  a rehabilitation concept of occupied Gali and Akhalgori districts will be presented. 

Garibashvili stated that by the end of the year Georgia will receive four million doses of coronavirus vaccines which will be sufficient to vaccinate 60 per cent of the country’s population. 

Garibashvili says that Georgia will have enough vaccines this year to vaccinate 60 per cent of its population. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.

What has been done for the state economy, infrastructure? 

Garibashvili said that the 70 per cent increase in exports in April 2021 indicates ‘serious improvements’ for the state economy. 

He also said that: 

• Up to 600 km of road was renovated last year and up to 70 km of the main road was opened. 
• 151 kilometers of highway has been built since 2012, under the Georgian Dream government, while the figure stood at 68 between 2007 and 2012 under the United National Movement government. 
• Exports of agri-food products exceeded $942 million, which is 84.5% more than in 2012.
• The area of ​​protected territories has increased by 280,000 hectares and today covers 12% of the country’s territory. 
• The government spent 900 million GEL for healthcare during the pandemic, 3 billion GEL to support business and 1.3 billion GEL to support people.
• 57 new administrative buildings of the Emergency Coordination and Emergency Assistance Center have been built and five are under construction.
• The salaries of medical personnel fighting against coronavirus have been increased by 50 per cent. 

‘Georgian occupation issue on international agenda’ 

Garibashvili said that the government is doing its utmost to push forward the occupation issue and inform the international community of Russia’s illegal actions in the county. 

Garibashvili says that the international community is well-aware of Russia's illegal actions in Georgia. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge. 

We are working very effectively. The support of the international community is increasing,” Garibashvili said. 

He stated that the government is using all levers to ensure the punishment of the individuals who were convicted for the murder of Georgian citizens in the occupied regions and to release illegally detained Georgian citizens, including Zaza Gakheladze and Irakli Bebua. 

A strong Georgia should be a home for Georgians, Abkhaz, Ossetians and everyone living here,” Garibashvili said. 

‘Success of Georgian politics’ 

Garibashvili said that the recent release of Armenian war prisoners with the Georgian involvement ‘was a vital political victory.’ 

He also stated that Georgian soldiers in NATO missions ‘have shown the world what Georgia is’ and thanked them for their devotion. 

Garibashvili promised further support for soldiers and policemen and thanked them for their ‘tireless and crucial work’ for the country. 

Sporting achievements 

Garibashvili said that Georgian athletes won 200 medals last year, including 65 gold. 

In 2022, Tbilisi will host the final stage of the European Basketball Championship, in 2023 we will host the World Championship in freestyle skiing and snowboarding, and in 2025 - the European Winter Youth Olympic Festival,” Garibashvili said. 

He stated that the basketball sport palace is being built which will host the 2022 European championship in basketball. 

Garibashvili once again thanked Georgian soldiers for their role in peace missions. Photo: Irakli Garibashvili's Facebook page. 

Plans for the future 

• Between 2021 and 2022 the government will allocate more than 300 million GEL to subside mortgage loans for families. 
• In the long run the government will ensure to employee about 100,000 individuals in small and medium business 
• 30,000 new jobs will be created in the mining field by 2030 after reforms ( currently the field employees 37,000). 
• Free trade regime will be made with at least 11 new countries (currently Georgia has free trade agreements with 45 foreign states and one customs administrative unit). 
• Produce in Georgia agency will help more than 2,000 companies in exports. 
• Produce in Georgia programme will allocate six billion GEL to fund 1,300 new enterprises and 400 hotels. 
• Exports of goods in 2012 totalled $ 2.4 billion. That figure was $ 3.3 billion in 2020. ‘Our task should be to increase exports to $ 5 billion in the coming years.’ 
• Starting July 1 social support for poor children will amount to 100 GEL monthly instead of 50 GEL and more children will be involved in the state programme.
• In all cities and highways smart cameras will be installed. New border units, infrastructure will be built. 
• New tourist centres will open in municipalities. 
• All  cities will have 24-hour water supply by 2025, while by 2030 the whole population of the country will enjoy quality and licenced, round-the-clock water supply.
•  31 billion GEL will be spent for infrastructure projects. 
• The 450-km highway will be completed by 2030. 
• The average salary of teachers will exceed 2,200 GEL by 2030.