This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Egypt, which was one of the first countries in the Middle East and Africa to recognize Georgia shortly after regaining its independence in 1991.
Despite the challenges that the Georgians faced maintaining their sovereignty and independence for three decades, Georgia has been able to make significant progress in building a modern state, based on democratic principles and values, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Relations with Egypt have been exemplary, with the volume of trade between the two countries approaching about $15 million annually. Meanwhile, Egyptian investments in Georgia have reached about $1.5 million.
Georgia also belongs to important organisations such as the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organisation, the World Trade Organisation, the Council of Europe and the Asian Development Bank
Georgia is a charming and popular tourist destination, characterised by picturesque natural scenery and a stable climate in both summer and winter. The tourism sector is one of the main sources of income for the small Caucasus country.
The country straddles the European continent to the north and the Asian continent to the south, with a long eastern coast running along the Black Sea.
The natural landscapes include the snowy peaks of the Caucasus Mountains to the north and the Tusheti National Park in the northeast, which make it a suitable destination for skiing, hiking and long trips in the countryside.
Meanwhile, the many wonderful beaches on the country’s eastern coast on the Black Sea offer plenty more opportunities for tourism.
Georgia also includes a thermal and sulfur water sites, where tourists can enjoy massage and treatment sessions.
The country is famous for its biodiversity, containing a great variety of animals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, as well as rare plants.
All of these natural features give the country a picturesque and captivating nature.
Georgians themselves are among the most hospitable, friendly and peaceful peoples, who will easily interact with and help strangers. They do not know racism and enjoy culture, arts, singing and handicrafts. The multi-ethnic country is also home to non-Georgians such as Russians, Kurds, Armenians, Turks, Azeris and Ukrainians.
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia and its largest city, is located on the banks of the Kura River. It was founded in the fifth century by the Vakhtang I of Iberia, and since that time it has been the capital of the country.
It includes a large number of tourist attractions such as the Abanotubni baths, which are among the most famous baths in Europe. It also contains historic religious sites, including the Sioni Cathedral, built in the sixth century AD, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the most beautiful and largest church in the Caucasus region.
The country has taken a number of measures to bolster the tourism sector, such as exempting the industry from property taxes. They subsidise 80 percent of the interest rates on commercial loans for hotels, guaranteed bank interest rates for tour operators as well as joint fees for international travel and tourism exhibitions. The country has also introduced a credit guarantee scheme for food and beverage businesses, and supported travel agencies, guides and the private sector by introducing and implementing safety standards.
There is a great opportunity to increase the volume of trade and investment exchange between Egypt and Georgia. Egypt offers great investment opportunities for Georgians in light of the government’s support for the sector.
Both sides can achieve mutual benefits in this regard, benefitting from international agreements to promote trade. Both sides should organise meetings between businessmen in the two countries to discover mutual investment opportunities and enter into bilateral partnerships that benefit both economies.
The Egyptian market, in particular, produces many diverse products that Georgian importers can benefit from.
One harbinger of the opportunities for cooperation was the speech by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvil at the UN Climate Change Conference that was recently held in Egypt
He said that Georgia has large investments in renewable energy and praised green hydrogen, which Egypt has made significant investments in and signed a number of agreements for the production of.
Dr. Khaled Kandil is an Egyptian senator and vice-president of the Al-Wafd Party.
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