On March 11, 2014 meeting between EU-Georgia Business Council (EUGBC) members and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tamar Beruchashvili was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. The meeting aimed discussion of the Association Agreement (AA) and its integral part, Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA).During her statement the Deputy Minister provided the attendees with the information regarding the state of EU-Georgia Association Agreement and the prospect of free trade between EU and Georgia. According to Ms. Tamar Beruchashvili, it is important to inform Georgian and foreign business partners on new possibilities and challenges appearing through the Association Agreement with EU. She also spoke on trade perspectives, economic relations as well as increase of Georgia’s investment attraction. The Deputy Minister informed the EUGBC members about regular meetings with the business sector representatives held by the Georgian Foreign Ministry and the Georgian embassies abroad.

The EUGBC Secretary General Mr. Zviad Chumburidze spoke on the activities of the Council supporting the enhancement of political-economic relations between the EU and Georgia. Mr. Chumburidze put emphasis on the EUGBC’s upcoming project – visit of Georgian Businessmen to Brussels taking place in April 7-8, 2014. According to him, during the visit about 10 representatives from different business companies will have political meetings with EU high officials and local business circles. Secretary General also spoke about the importance of the Association Agreement for the country and particularly for improving the business climate. He also stressed that the government and business alike will have to complete an immense work in order to meet all necessary requirements for having full access to the Europe’s vast single market.

The meeting was concluded by lively discussion around the issues of EU-Georgia trade and economic relations involving the representatives of the invited business community.