In these difficult and challenging times for businesses worldwide, each activity and initiative aimed at boosting the economy and supporting its recovery has become ever more important.
Georgia, which is now in need of as rapid an economic recovery as possible, is no exception. The country is expected to be focused on development of new economic relations and cooperation with various foreign partners worldwide.
To help the country achieve this goal and contribute to boosting the local economy, an important occasion took place at Tbilisi Biltmore Hotel: the presentation of the ‘Business Chamber of Asian & Gulf Countries’.
The event took place on August 10, in the conference hall of the Biltmore Hotel, attended by representatives of the Georgian government, private and diplomatic corps, as well as foreign investors and individuals interested in Georgia’s investment environment.
During the presentation, the founders, including BCAGC President Darpan Prasher, and Vice Presidents Davit Tsirdava and Giorgi Otaridze, discussed how the spirit of BCAGC had emerged, what created the need for such a union, and how they achieved their goals. They explained the essence of the concept and the vision and mission of the Chamber to clearly outline the future role of the Union in the advancement of the economy. They also touched upon the advantages of membership in the Business Chamber of Asian & Gulf Countries (Counseling Center, Mediation Center, Field Training Center, a constantly growing database of industry specialists), which makes BCAGC a unique association/organization.
The event highlighted the great importance of the Business Chamber of Asian & Gulf Countries in shaping the business climate in both the local (Georgian) and global (Caucasus, Asia) arenas.
During the event, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between BCAGC and the Georgian National University to jointly promote the development of young people, the organization of student projects and, most importantly, their employment.
The Chamber of Commerce makes a significant contribution to business development by formulating an effective global vision, and identifying existing challenges and opportunities. The Association promotes foreign investment, the establishment of international ties, and the strengthening of existing business relations, alongside the formation of youth exchange projects such as a “knowledge exporter” and “trade corridor” of Georgia.
During the presentation, two projects were announced – “Educated Young People for Successful Business” and “Spring on the Silk Road.” Representatives of the government sector expressed their full readiness to support both.
Notably, in July, with the establishment of the Business Chamber of Asian & Gulf Countries, an agreement was signed with successful Indian organization GOPIO. With the active support of the Government of India, the Business Chamber of Asian & Gulf Countries and GOPIO will host an exhibition in autumn 2021 featuring 150 Indian companies.
Darispan Prashe, President of BCAGC, said: “Behind the Business Chamber of Asian & Gulf Countries is a great friendship and long-standing partnership. Foreign and Georgian business people decided to establish a business chamber that would unite partners with shared interests and promote a liberal business environment. It would also connect investors and companies, organizations, and qualified professionals. BCAGC is a multicultural association based on the principle of tolerance. Its founders share common values and goals, and each of us is ready to devote material and intangible resources to the welfare of the Chamber and its members.”
“The Business Chamber of Asian & Gulf Countries creates the necessary investment climate in Georgia and the whole Caucasus region, promotes commercial and trade relations in Asia, discovers Georgia’s tourism potential totally, and creates a favorable investment environment,” David Tsirdava, President of BCAGC, told us. “Historically, its strategic location turned Georgia into a trade corridor, with the Silk Road connecting the Eurasian economy. Even today, our country can play an essential role in the business processes in Asia and the Caucasus. BCAGC serves the implementation of this idea.
“Georgia can supply the global market with specific industry representatives. The Chamber will establish a training center which will help specialists raise their qualifications,” Tsirdava added. “Invited foreign expert trainers will conduct trainings, seminars, and workshops. BCAGC will connect companies and qualified field specialists through forums and projects. In this way, the country will become an “exporter of knowledge.” The most extensive base in the Caucasus region, created by the Business Chamber of Asian & Gulf Countries, will be staffed with experts and professionals. Consequently, the members will find it easier to search for the necessary staff or receive services.”
Dirha Ahuja, the President of the Indian organization GOPIO, Partner of The Business Chamber, noted what a great honor it was for him to attend the presentation as a partner.
“The memorandum we signed with the business chamber last month came about with the joint efforts and support of the Government of India, meaning that an exhibition will be held in Georgia from September 24 to October 1, with the participation of 150 Indian companies. The exhibition will serve to strengthen Georgian-Indian economic relations. Together with BCAGC, we will contribute in every way to the development of Georgian-Indian cooperation in the fields of culture, art, science, education, sports, business, tourism, ecology, preservation of historical heritage, and, to this end, support relevant state, regional, local, public and private initiatives at all levels,” Ahuja confirmed.
By Ana Dumbadze