Prime Minister of Georgia Mamuka Bakhtadze conducted an economic development roadshow during his visit to the United States on June 5–14, 2019, with the goal of enhancing the strong U.S.–Georgia security alliance by building more and stronger trade and economic ties between the business communities of the strategic allies.
The Prime Minister’s visit included meetings in San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, and Washington, D.C., where he met with business executives, tech start-up companies, investors, and government leaders at the state and federal levels.
In Washington, D.C., the Prime Minister conferred with the senior members of the U.S. Administration, including U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Senator Lindsey Graham, and members of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee.
The United States and Georgia adopted a 10th Anniversary Joint Declaration on the U.S.–Georgia Strategic Partnership, which emphasizes:
– The United States and Georgia recognize that a strong and resilient Georgia is best able to stand against the aggressive actions of Russia and defend its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
– We intend to continue enhancing Georgia’s defense readiness so Georgia can maintain a NATO-interoperable military capable of territorial defense, deterring aggression, and supporting global security. Georgia has the right to choose its security partners. The United States stands by the 2008 NATO Bucharest Summit decision, reaffirmed at the 2018 Brussels Summit, that Georgia will become a member of NATO. Georgia’s relationship with the Alliance contains all practical tools to prepare for eventual membership.
– We intend to increase bilateral trade and investment, foster internationally accepted business practices, and support Georgia’s aspirations to increase regional connectivity, enhance energy security, and become a transit and logistics hub. Building on earlier commitments to advance the USTR-led High Level Trade and Investment Dialogue by exploring various options, both sides agreed to take practical steps to further deepen and broaden our economic partnership.
“Georgia will have U.S. support as you seek to become a NATO member,” emphasized Secretary Pompeo: “Georgia’s efforts give me great confidence to speak for President Trump, and all of the United States Government, when I say that you will continue to have the support of the United States as you seek to become a NATO member…Throughout this decade, Georgia has shown tremendous resolve in the wake of the 2008 unlawful Russian invasion of part of its territory. Today it remains an international tourist destination, an important strategic partner for the United States, and a contributor to global security.”
The Secretary of State singled out Georgia for its “leadership role as an aspiring NATO ally,” its contribution to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, and for Georgia spending of two per cent of its GDP on defense.
U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee members welcomed Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze to Capitol Hill. The Members discussed recent legislation in support of Georgia, and the PM updated members on Russian aggression while reaffirming Georgia’s commitment to joining the NATO alliance.
The U.S. Commerce Department and the Georgian Ministry of Economy signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation to enhance bilateral trade relations between the two countries and to ensure Georgia’s “tangible, inclusive growth in the coming years”
“Our strategy is to make Georgia a regional hub for tourism, for international business, logistics, education, and innovation,” Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze told the audience at the World Affairs Council in Seattle. He pointed out that Georgia is one of the most open economies in the world, according to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and large investors. Georgia is ranked 3rd in terms of low tax regime, while the country maintains a healthy balance between investments in infrastructure and human capital and keeping taxes low.
– The World Bank Group ranks Georgia as #6 in terms of doing business in the world.
– The Fraser Institute ranks Georgia as #7 right after the US for economic freedom.
– The Open Budget Index ranks Georgia #5 in access to government information.
At the end of the tour at the World Affairs Council of Dallas, Mayor Mike Rawlings named the Prime Minister an honorary citizen of the City of Dallas. Prime Minister Bakhtadze thanked the Mayor for the award and the people of the State of Texas for their hospitality. “I assure you that Georgia is and will always be your strong and loyal partner,” PM Bakhtadze promised.