East European nation seeking business links with Mayo

Georgian ambassador involved in preliminary talks

The Georgian government is exploring ways of developing business partnerships in Mayo.

The strategy was unveiled by George Zurabashvila, the country's Ambassador to Ireland, during a visit to Castlebar and Westport.

During the stay, he met with delegations from Mayo County Council, Castlebar Chamber of Commerce and Westport Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Zurabashvila spoke with Peter Duggan, interim chief executive, Mayo County Council, and the authority's cathaoirleach, Councillor Richard Finn, about the concept of developing an exchange programme between commercial and cultural interests in the county with a region of Georgia.

“We are hoping to open up trade links that would lead to investment in both locations. The concept is very much at the exploratory stage but the early indications are very positive,” he said.

“I also spoke to the presidents of the Castlebar and Westport chambers, Bernard Hughes and Helen Gavin.

“I was impressed by the level of interest from both groups and we have agreed to further develop our discussions.”

Mr. Zurabashvila is due to return to Mayo later this year to meet with retailers and business owners in both towns in order to identify opportunities.

“My next visit will be a longer one and I will present a range of ideas. We are not talking strictly about a business exchange as opportunities also exist in the areas of culture and sport.

“My country is already looking forward to playing Ireland in a rugby international at the Aviva Stadium next month and we are optimistic events of this nature create further avenues to build relationships in Ireland, with Mayo selected as our initial focus,” he said.

Located on the edge of eastern Europe, Georgia has a strong mix of Asian and European culture.

Tourism is a significant part of the Georgian economy. There are 103 resorts in different climatic zones in Georgia.

The county has over 12,000 historical and cultural monuments, four of which are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It claims to be 'the birthplace of wine' due to the fact it is a cradle of wine with an 8,000-year-old vinculture.

The country has strong EU membership aspirations and has signed an Association Agreement with the EU.

Georgia prides itself on its innovative thinking and future technologies.