Perspectives

BP has been operating in Georgia since the mid-1990s and has invested in excess of $1.5 billion in the country. We currently employ around 600 employees  and contract staff  who are involved in operating oil and gas pipelines and associated facilities. In recent years we have seen Georgia re-emerge as a strategic crossroads for trade and as an increasingly important destination for inward investment.  

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The experience of Greenoak Holdings demonstrates that a European company can succeed in Georgia; more than USD $200 million have been invested in Georgia since 1999 and the company employs over 3 000 Georgian citizens. The result has been 4 thriving businesses in Georgia; the oil transhipment company, Batumi Oil Terminal, the freight forwarding affiliate, Petrotrans, the textile company, Batumitex and since May 2006, the Batumi Sea Port.

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Mr. George Bazgadze, Managing Partner, Ernst & Young

Just two main things: First, Georgia is a nice country to live and work in, to the point that you may easily fall in love with its nature and people and find real friends for life here. Second, you may do good business in Georgia. Not vice versa, however, – the order of the above two points matters and if you attempt to do business in Georgia from a distance, you may be disappointed. Good local partners and insider understanding of Georgian culture are the principal ingredients of a recipe called “Successful Business in Georgia”.

Mr. Clifford Isaak, Managing Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers

“We have seen increased interest in Georgia from investors. We believe in the potential of Georgia to develop its economy, attract foreign investment and strengthen its public institutions. The services of PricewaterhouseCoopers will give businesses an opportunity to work with skilled professionals and improve their financial reporting and business performance. We are looking forward to the future growth of our business in Georgia.”

Mr. George Chirakadze, President & CEO, UGT

“In the past year, I have seen major improvement concerning the procurement of goods in my business. A vast majority of retail stores now provide VAT documentation on purchases, whereas in the past it was very difficult to acquire these documents. In addition, payment for services by the government ministries we contract with is being made on a timely basis. Overall, I am pleased to say I have seen improvement in the VAT administrative process.”