Solomon Pavliashvili : “Cooperation with international partners, including the World Bank, is important for establishing a modern, safe, and sustainable hazardous waste management system.”

The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr Solomon Pavliashvili, met with representatives of the World Bank to discuss the development of a modern, safe, and sustainable hazardous waste management system.

 

During the meeting, the parties addressed existing needs and challenges in the hazardous waste sector, investment opportunities, and issues related to the implementation of a planned hazardous waste management project. Discussions also covered preparatory stages, expected implementation timelines, planned measures for establishing a modern hazardous waste landfill, and potential areas for cooperation.

 

During the meeting, Mr Solomon Pavliashvili emphasised the importance of developing a national hazardous waste management system, noting that international partnership and coordinated cooperation would play a decisive role in establishing modern infrastructure and improving environmental safety standards in the country.

 

“Since 2015, the country has been implementing the Waste Management Code. Based on the Code, the National Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan for 2016–2030 were developed, defining the key directions for the development of the waste management sector and reflecting the challenges the country faces, including in the area of hazardous waste management. Despite progress achieved, the insufficient development of infrastructure and safe treatment systems remains a challenge. Therefore, cooperation with international partners, including the World Bank, is important for establishing a modern, safe, and sustainable hazardous waste management system,” said Mr Solomon Pavliashvili.

 

 World Bank representative and lead environmental engineer Frank van Woerden noted that strong state support for waste management in Georgia provides a solid foundation for developing a safe and sustainable hazardous waste system. He added that the World Bank values its partnership with Georgia and remains committed to effective cooperation.

 

The delegation also held meetings with representatives of the Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia and other stakeholders, and inspected existing and potential hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal sites.

 

The meeting at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture was attended by officials from the Solid Waste Management Company, the National Environmental Agency, and relevant departments and sector specialists.