Cross-Country Trip Seeks to Build on Strong Security Alliance by
Expanding Ties Between U.S. and Georgian Businesses
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prime Minister of Georgia H.E. Mamuka Bakhtadze begins a multi-city
visit to the United States on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, with the goal of
increasing trade and economic ties between the two close strategic
allies.
Since declaring independence in 1991, Georgia has partnered with the
United States on numerous global security issues and established a
resilient democracy with a vibrant business-friendly economy. Georgian
troops have served alongside Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan, where
Georgia has provided more soldiers per capita than any other U.S. ally.
The Prime Minister’s visit, which comprises stops in San Francisco,
Seattle, Dallas and Washington, D.C., will build on the close
U.S.-Georgia security partnership by encouraging more U.S. investment
and trade with Georgia. Nearly 200 U.S. companies already operate in
Georgia, a strategic country located on the shores of the Black Sea, at
the crossroads between Europe and Asia.
“We’ve taken our security alliance with the United States to another
level. It’s time to do the same with our economic and trade
partnership,” said Prime Minister Bakhtadze, “I am coming to the United
States to send the message that Georgia is open for business and wants
to strengthen our partnerships with American companies.”
The cross-country trip will feature a series of meetings with business
executives, investors and government leaders at the local, state and
federal level.
Georgia’s strategic location offers unique access to high-growth
regional markets that are home to more than 2 billion consumers. It is
an ideal logistical hub for European and Asian distribution operations.
During his visit, the Prime Minister will highlight his country’s rich
and ancient history and culture. Georgia is widely acknowledged as the
earliest producer of wine — 8,000 years ago – and it is also one of the
first European countries to adopt Christianity. The country’s tourism
industry is growing rapidly, along with government investments in
infrastructure and education.
“I knew very little about Georgia before I served with Georgian soldiers
in Iraq. I have since gone to Georgia many times on business, and I’ve
fallen in love with the country,” said Jarrad Guthrie, a decorated U.S.
Army veteran who is now a managing partner at a global business advisory
firm in Boston, “Georgia is a great place to visit and a great place to
do business.”
The World Bank ranks Georgia second among European countries, ahead of
Germany, France, and the Netherlands for Ease of Doing Business. The
Heritage Foundation ranks Georgia 8th among European countries in terms
of Economic Freedom.
On June 12, the Prime Minister’s U.S. visit will include the third
annual U.S.-Georgia Strategic Alliance Conference, a gathering of
renowned experts and government officials, at the U.S. Institute of
Peace in Washington, D.C., followed by a celebration of Georgia’s
Independence at the same location. In Washington, D.C., the Prime
Minister will meet with the senior members of the U.S. Administration as
well as the members of Congress.
This material is distributed by Hill+Knowlton Strategies on behalf of
the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.
Additional information is available at the Department of Justice,
Washington, DC.
Contacts
Sofia Gegechkori, Public Affairs/Communications Counselor
Embassy
of Georgia to the United States
Cell: 202-853-8304
E-mail: [email protected]
