ARMENIAN-GEORGIAN COMMISSION NEXT SITTING TO BE HELD SPRING 2006

PanARMENIAN.Net - Coordinated and important decisions were taken during the 4-th sitting of the Armenian-Georgian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation held in Yerevan today, Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli stated during the press conference upon completion of the sitting. He marked out several important lines that were discussed during the sitting. "First of all it is trade. Both parties supported consolidation of economic ties. Georgia cancelled transit highway-user tax early this year and today we agreed that Armenia will make analogous decision as regards Georgia. This move will promote the growth of commodity turnover between Armenia and Georgia," he said. "Presently we are discussing the possibility of opening new highway, railway and air communication lines in two directions Yerevan-Tbilisi and Yerevan-Batumi. We fully support the creation of alternative transport ties for Armenia including the restoration of Kars-Gyumri railway communication," emphasized Zurab Nogaideli. He informed that during the sitting the commission touched upon tourism development as well. "We were glad to learn that 12 thousand Armenians had a rest at the Georgian coast of the Black Sea this year. We are also pleased that Armenian investors pay attention to the resort infrastructure in Adjaria", he said adding that some important decisions were taken in energy sphere as well. In this view he specified two directions. "First, we have not coordinated Georgia's debt for the energy supplied by Armenia yet. Second, an investment program targeted at construction of a high-voltage power line that will allow to increase the export of Armenian to Georgia should be discussed," the Georgian Premier said. "Besides, we have considered the possibility of opening a joint Georgian-Armenian university in Georgia. Next year we are launching an efficient investment program in Samtskhe Javakhetia. The program includes building of a highway connecting the region with Tbilisi, Armenia and Turkey. Being a highway of international motor communication it will attract investments to the economy of the region. Next year we are launching a project targeted at repairing of Georgian schools including the schools in Javakhetia. The Armenian government will co-finance the repair of village schools of Ninotsminda and Akhalkalaki regions," the Georgian Premier stated. He also informed that the next sitting of the Armenian-Georgia commission on economic cooperation will be held next spring in Batumi. "I attach great attention to the development of business cooperation between the commercial structures of Georgia and Armenia. I will by all means contribute to the consolidation of ties and creation of an economic system promoting efficient activities of Armenian and Georgian entrepreneurs", Zurab Nogaideli resumed.