FROM THE EDITOR

Jemal Inaishvili

In the recent period there started a serious movement aimed at tracing Georgia’s sector on the world economic landscape.

It is natural that this “cadastral” matter should, first of all, be done with the assistance our western and eastern friends. The result of it was that in the previous issue we offered you interesting materials concerning the project of a new trunk-railway Marabda-Kars and an economic zone in Poti. I stress it once again so that my opponents should understand – Poti economic zone a large economic project with participation of investment firms recognized in the world. It is not just a well fenced in and secured territory! It is huge investments over the period of the coming ten years and it is has nothing to do with the offshores where only a flow of financial resources takes place. It is a project of a regional trade zone, the operator of which will be a foreign firm recognized in the world and having a big success and authority – JAFZA. The work for winning and support of these investment programs is headed by the President and his team, and the visits to Brussels, Astana and Tokyo made in the recent period served this purpose. Agreements on serious investment projects in the field of energetics, construction of an oil refinery and a grain terminal were reached. As for Europe, here the whole attention is paid to the issues related to liberalization of trade regimes, which is a decisive factor for the growth of our export potential. The tea business on the whole and creation of an international brand in this sphere is considered by us as a big part of the export potential. That is why we decided to devote this issue to consideration of the strategic problems related to production and processing of tea. In mid April we intend to hold an international conference on problems concerning Georgian tea, at which we are going to present a strategic plan for the development of this branch. This issue is not only an economic, but also a socio-political one and it has been ignored or set aside for a long time. We believe that the presented considerations of experts and professionals will lay a basis for a new era in this business (p.—).
The subject of simplification and liberalization of trade procedures with EU was mentioned above and, from this point of view, we offer an article of one of competent experts in this field – Kakha Gogolashvili (p.—), in which all aspects of this problem and ways of its solving are fundamentally considered. The progress achieved in this matter and the action plans to be made were discussed at the conference of the EU-Georgia Business Council held in February, at which many important ideas were stated. This is the course, in case of implementation of which the EU will become our main trade partner and our export indicator will be doubled (p.—).
An unbiased and real appraisal of Georgia’s economic indicators, as well as comparison with the world data by means of a modern technology, is very important. It is not a secret that Georgia’s statistical body has been experiencing a serious crisis over the period of its existence. We often lack necessary macroeconomic data and you will probably agree with me that this reminds of a sail without a compass. Receiving of the necessary economic data does not take place in time, which impedes a competent analysis and diagnostics in the economy. For this reason, we have touched upon this subject and want to make a discussion on this issue our priority and involve a large part of specialists in it in order to jointly create a system of registration and statistics that will meet the modern requirements of the development of the country’s economy (p.—).
In my opinion, the article “Unemployment in Europe and Employment in Georgia” will also be interesting. It is one of serious problems and the ways and tools for its solving do not lie in the government cabinets only. The European experience and the real problems inside the country are very important in the international context (p.—).
Advertising business is becoming a part of our life from the viewpoint of not only business, but our personal life as well. It often cheats us and frays our nerves, but, at the same time, it gives us an opportunity to choose the best in the sea of goods. But still, what is the advertising business in Georgia – a lie or a necessary advisor? (p.—).
Last month the world economy was seized by a cyclone hurricane. There was a drop in business activity and the basic indices. This time the epicenter was in China, which is a novelty for the exchange fever. What was going on in reality and what may happen in the near future – the forecasts of western exerts are offered in the article “Review of the World Economy” (p.—).
We traditionally offer world and Georgian economic news as well as scientific articles on economic issues. We hope that we have managed to arouse your interest in the economy and present necessary information to you.
With best wishes,