President visits Poti

On Monday President Mikheil Saakashvili visited Poti to view several facilities. As part of his visit he opened the new Economic Zone of Registration. The President toured the facility and addressed the employees. In his speech he stressed his attention to the country’s new economic course and spoke about the new tax regulations, focusing on the economic projects will be a major factor in the country’s development. Saakashvili pointed out that innovations to stimulate business, modernise the tax system and simplify border procedures would help provide more jobs, with entrepreneurs having an opportunity to accumulate more national wealth.

The President spoke about the importance of Poti airport, announcing that it will open this summer. He said that once constructed the new airport in Poti will be the largest in the Caucasus. He said, “We have already installed modern radar systems. This airport will serve the very important tourist centres of Mestia and Batumi, as well as Poti - the important economic centre of the region.”

Representatives of local government and designers gave Saakashvili detailed information about the project. The 3000 square metre facility in the shape of a ship will open in 2012; it will have a cinema in addition to retail outlets and will employ 150 people.

Saakashvili also toured the Tegeta Motors service centre and noted that opening of such companies in the region will boost employment of the local population. Tegeta Motors currently has 44 employees – all from Poti or nearly villages, soon the number will increase to 70; the average income is 400 GEL. The President was interested in the number of employees, their education and qualifications.

“Compared with large European countries, we have many advantages if we use our abilities correctly. First of all there is a gap that we can fill – primarily due to our geography and secondly our more liberal environment that makes it more flexible for businesses. Now the main thing is to bring in investors. We have many more prospects to develop. Other countries are at a level of development that it is harder for them to advance. Here we can advance rapidly – if we work hard, of course,” the President of Georgia stated.