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Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili made a comment on the recent situation in Georgia and answered all questions posed by the journalists.
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Giorgi Gagaria and Georgian policemen for maintaining the law and order and save the country from coup ; On their merits, the country was not plunged into chaos and we maintain the development potential of the country. A number of generations have already experienced serious problems caused by similar disorders . I believe, that common sense is on the one side - we should maintain the law and order, as well as growth rate in the country. Moreover, maintaining order and stability is a precondition for economic growth, which embraces all sectors, areas and directions. Giorgi Gagaria managed to maintain the political stability in the country, which is a precondition for economic growth "said Levan Davitashvili.
After the session held by Georgian government, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili addressed Georgian wine export related issues
" Wine sector is one of the top economic contributors in the country. In general, about 40% of the country's population is employed in the agricultural sector, which is a very important source of income for many citizens. Therefore, all members, officials and high rank representatives of the government have a great responsibility towards our citizens.
Georgia's wine sector is quite large and is gradually increasing, engaging several thousands of people within. We have received an appeal from wine producers, these are two large unions: ‘’Wine Growers Association’’ and ‘’Winemakers Guild’’ which urge Georgian authorities to ensure stability in the country, implement pragmatic policy and create opportunities for the development of wine sector. This is an important message from wine sector. Our position is to provide a clear and effective communication with all partners and in all markets. We aim to protect the position of Georgian wine in the market. In my opinion, the quality of Georgian wine is outstanding. I can not be modest while assessing Georgian wine. Although, we have heard some statements about sanitary services, I hope our respective agencies - National Wine Agency and National Food Agency, which are responsible for quality control will give competent answers to all questions. Georgian wine should comply with certain requirements, furthermore, an additional inspections will be conducted in Georgian wineries. This, of course, poses some difficulties to winemakers. The risk of instability that posed a threat to the country could have been directly reflected in the wine sector, thousands of winemakers could have faced difficulties.
Therefore, it is important to ensure the stability and security of each sector, including agricultural sector, which plays a great role in the sustainable economic development of the country. From this point of view, we will try our best to have pragmatic, correct, competent and efficient communications with all agencies.
It is worth mentioning, that Russian "Rospotrebnadzor" released a statement, according to which Georgian export products: fruit, vegetable, live products received high evaluations. Phyto sanitary measures are taken in Georgian export products to meet international standards . I hope, that "Rospotrebnadzor" will make an adequate assessment on the quality of Georgian wine " - noted Levan Davitashvili.
 According to the Minister, export of Georgian wine exceeds $ 100 million.
"It is important to maintain trde relations with our important partners and maintain positions in all markets, not only in exporting of agricultural products but in other trade areas as well.
We have doubled sales in different countries. Georgian wine export is increased in more than 40 countries. However, considering free trade area, Georgia’s export to Russia will be further increased, as well as tourism rate in Georgia.
Georgia’s geographic location, as well as other aspects create opportunities to build commercial and trade relations between the two countries. Accordingly, current political environment will have a negative impact on our citizens and will embrace all sectors including tourism, small enterprises, hotels, which have their interests. Furthermore, business urge government to implement the proper policy. The number of wine producers has been increased, several hundreds of medium and small sized entrepreneurs have been emerged employing several thousands of people. We should implement a pragmatic policy and build an effective communication with the society "said Levan Davitashvili
Levan Davitashvili brought forward wheat supply and food safety related issues
" In relation to wheat supply, there are alternative routes, accordingly , wheat import might be conducted via maritime or rail transport, or from Azerbaijan. In terms of food safety, we have international recommendations. We implement a monitoring on food reserves in accordance with the recommendations of our international partners. I take full responsibility for the words I say, and hope to convince you, that there is no reason to panic. There are enough supplies of wheat in the country. Besides, hundreds and thousands of people are engaged in trade relations, who will lose their income and will result in their economic conditions to worsen. I understand to wheat growers position, we have certain responsibilities and our approach should be pragmatic. Ultimately, all officials and government representatives should have a right mindset to make the communication process more smooth, barrier-free and effective and handle this difficult situation caused by a number of irresponsible politicians "said Levan Davitashvili.Â
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