The Association of Georgian Virtual Zone Persons attended an important meeting with EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan

A significant meeting with the private sector was organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia on June 27 in conjunction with Mr. David O’Sullivan’s official visit as the International Special Envoy for the Implementation of EU Sanctions.

Pawel Herczynski, the EU ambassador to Georgia, Kumar Iyer, the Director General, Economics, Science and Technology at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK Government  and representatives from the business community also attended the meeting. 

Finding out about the business environment in the country, sanctions compliance was a key task for the delegation, and meetings were held at all levels to accomplish this goal. During the visit, meetings were held with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Levan Davitashvili, Minister of Finance Lasha Khutsishvili and Acting Governor of the National Bank Archil Mestvirishvili.

It is important to note that the Association of Georgian Virtual Zone Persons was chosen and invited to the narrow format meeting as a representative of the IT sector to this meeting, because the development  of this sphere is actively monitored and supported within the country and beyond by the EU.

The organizers of the meeting and delegation of high rank, wanted to know the opinion of the VZP Association on how many approaches of the State correspond to international standards and whether there were any violations or obstacles.

This meeting once again emphasized the significance of the government’s role in properly coordinating business; Chairman Shorena Kopaleishvili pointed out that, the Association cannot foster a favorable business environment alone. The coordination of the state and business is very important, since there is a global interest. The government’s role in our industry, proper communication with business companies, and their support are primarily in the national interest. Without compliance with European standards and the government’s interest in clear business regulations, there is a significant risk to the perspective of the national business and economy.