On 12 November 2013, EUGBC Secretary General, Ambassador Zviad Chumburidze met with the Second Secretary/Political Affairs/Deputy Head of the Swedish Embassy, Mr. Martin Rosen. The meeting was attended by Executive Director, Tamar Khuntsaria and Adviser, Valerian Gvalia. At the meeting the Secretary General informed Mr. Rosen on the current and planned activities of EUGBC. Ambassador Chumburidze underlined several important projects that the Council plans to carry out in 2014, such as EUGBC Expo, Business Conference and publications and seminars, which are important part of the Council’s activities.

The Secretary General also informed the Embassy representative on EUGBC goals to establish regular round tables with the participation of economic attaches of the EU member states embassies. Mr. Chumburidze stressed that existence of such forum is important for constant exchange of information between EUGBC and EU states embassies. This will also further deepen and promote cooperation at the bilateral level.

In addition, Secretary General noted EUGBC plans to meet and consult with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) in Tbilisi to discuss possibilities of funding EUGBC projects.

Mr. Chumburidze also highlighted the role of the Georgian Embassy in Sweden and stressed on close partnership with the Embassy and the Council.

Martin Rosen thanked the Secretary General and Executive Director for the meeting. He stressed the importance of EUGBC in terms of developing and strengthening trade and business ties between Georgia and EU member states. He also posited that EUGBC is conveniently placed to support current developments in the scope of Association Agreement/DCFTA.

Mr. Rosen agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation between the Swedish Embassy and EUGBC. He also considered the meeting with SIDA very important and potentially beneficial for both sides.

In addition, Mr. Rosen informed EUGBC on several Swedish companies operating in Georgia that might be interested in the activities of the Council. He promised to convey the information about the Council to these businesses.

The parties agreed to keep in touch and continue active cooperation in the future.