An interview with the leader of the parliamentary majority David Saganelidze

 Several days ago, Israeli billionaire Alexander Mashkevich visited  Tbilisi. He held an informal meeting with the Minister of Health,  Deputy Prime Minister and  Economy Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The meeting was also attended by you and businessman Vano Chkhartishvili. Could you tell us in detail about his plans in Georgia?

It’s  very good that  a businessmen of such  rankand his team members as well as  Tariel Vasaze arrived in Georgia.  We’ll do everything possible to show them  the business environment in Georgia, acquaint them with  the  sectors in which  they can invest. Unfortunately, they stayed in Tbilisi for  only one day and   had a meeting with Patriarch as well.  The meeting was also attended by Minister of Economy George Kvirikashvili and Health Minister David Sergeenko. 
 

Are Alexander Mashkevich and Tariel Vasadze interested in joint investing in Georgia?

They are too close to each other, therefore, they may have the same interest. However, they mayexpress their interest in different areas. It refers generally to the field of health care. The reform, which is carried out  in this regard  in Georgia, is very acceptable for the both  businessmen. They are also interested in  the hospital sector, diagnostic and pharmaceutical fields. The meeting also touched on tourism, in particular,  the construction of hotels. The businessmen also interested what happens in the field of machine building. I think it was a very interesting conversation, however, short.

Should we expect that  Alexander Mashkevich will invest  in Georgia in the nearest future? 

 I hope. I think that the appearance of these businessmen on  the Georgian pharmacy market and any other sector would be very interesting. This will  have an impact on  prices, quality  and so on. 
 

-It turns out that  Alexander Mashkevich is interested in  pharmaceutical, hospital and tourism sectors? 

Yes, it is true. His company is not small and of  a narrow profile. If they decide  to invest in Georgia, I hope they will  not focus on  one area. We try to convince them that the business is free here and there is no pressure on businessmen. 

I would also like to mention another good fact. Alexander Mashkevich has a very good relationship with Bidzina  Ivanishvili.  Mr.Bidzina  is a serious guarantee that the business is protected in Georgia. 
 

If Georgia attractive for other investors who don’t know Bidzina Ivanishvili personally.

The steps taken in this direction in the last two years make Georgia  more interesting for investors. A serious  pressure on  business in Georgia was an obstacle for investment.

However, we still have to do a lot to prove investors that the country is really interesting for investors. For this, we  need to create  financial institutions. In particular, the Development Finance Corporation has been recently established in Georgia. I believe that the country needs such a large financial institution

Source:commersant.ge