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Levan Davitashvili: “The last three years have demonstrated successful harvest of our consistent approaches and policies deployed to agriculture”
The joint sitting of the Parliamentary Budget and Finance, Agrarian Issues, Sector Economy and Economic Policy, Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Regional Policy and Self-Government committees hosted a candidate for Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr Levan Davitashvili to elaborate on the Ministry’s upcoming endeavours.Mr Davitashvili stressed on successful implementation of the Rural Development Strategy of Georgia 2015 – 2020, which has enhanced competitiveness within the agricultural production industry, development of technologies, boosting high-quality production and positive increase in export.
“Throughout 2012 – 2019, agriculture, forest and fishery industry production has increased in 1, 6 billion GEL (43 %) and has amounted to 5, 2 billion GEL in 2019. The National Statistics Office of Georgia has published data for the first three quarters of 2020, enabling us to set projections of an increased 6 billion GEL, thus embracing a historical milestone. Amidst the pandemic, 2020 has demonstrated 13 % increase.
Value-added of primary agricultural has been increased. 2020 projections have aimed at 14 % of increase. Value-added of 2019 has exceeded 3, 2 billion GEL in an industry and I am firm that 2020 data will prove impressive.
Maintaining trade balance in the agricultural industry is crucial. We had a trade deficit of up to 800 million USD. According to the data of the recent 11 months, we have reached a historical minimum of 251 million USD, making a third of 2012 data. Our promise is to maintain a positive trade balance in the next four-years-time.
The Ministry’s success stories have been translated from the consistent strategies and policies, which have ensured large-scale, comprehensive and successful actions” – Mr Levan Davitashvili stated.