The Georgian economy ministry has plans for developing a green growth strategy for the country, deputy minister Romeo Mikautadze announced at a “high-level dialogue” on sustainable public procurement and eco-labelling in Georgia on Tuesday.
The ministry cited Mikautadze on saying sustainable public procurement and eco-labelling were “essential components of a green economy”.
In sustainable public procurement, public spending encourages the private sector to improve environmental and social characteristics in its activities, and eco-labeling creates market incentives and incentive mechanisms for consumers to choose products that meet certain sustainability requirements", the minister said.
The official also added implementation of green economy principles in Georgia's private sector was important as it would contribute to the development of competition and growth in employment and income.
Photo: ministry of economy
In order to achieve economic growth in modern conditions, it is necessary to introduce a new type of economic model oriented towards green growth, which will contribute to the modernisation of the country's economy through the introduction of new types of green technologies", Mikautadze said at the conference.
Held with the support of the EU4Environment programme, the discussion aimed to support the development of an eco-labelling system in Georgia and also raise awareness of the domestic authorities, business associations and national stakeholders on etiquette, certification of bio-production and quality mark.
It also involved review of promotion of eco-labelling as an “efficient tool” in providing information to customers.
Georgia joined the Green Growth Declaration of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2016. The declaration aims for the development of a low-carbon sustainable economy and corresponding “smart, safe and sustainable” infrastructure in subject countries.