On May 15, BIA hosted the second annual international business forum – “Georgia – Land of Opportunities” at the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel. The meeting aimed to promote positioning of Georgia as a financial and business hub in the region, to explore economic and investment potential of the country and introduce affordable sources of financing to entrepreneurs. The event was attended by around 500 delegates from 15 countries.

The investment forum was opened by Aieti Kukava, CEO of BIA and Runo Balvanera, Regional Director of EBRD. Speeches were delivered by Irakli Karseladze - First Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, Romeo Mikautadze - Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development and Nodar Kereselidze – Deputy Minister of Agriculture.  Among others, speakers included representatives of reputable international companies, such as S&P Global, Fitch Ratings, Google, Gryphon Emerging Markets, Omidyar Network, Finance-in-Motion, BlueOrchard Finance, ESPA and others.

Apart from state officials, foreign investors and businessmen, the event was attended by representatives of foreign embassies, chambers of commerce and associations from Georgia, Europe, USA and neighboring countries.

At the meeting, particular focus was drawn on the discussion of investment opportunities in the field of energy, real estate, tourism and agriculture. For 30 private investment projects presented at the forum, portfolios were shared with investors at the closed meeting organized by AG Capital, sponsor of the event.    

Potential investors had the opportunity to hear top government officials and leading business representatives speak about the microeconomic aspects of the country, current and perspective projects. Local businesses had the opportunity to listen to experts from international rating organizations, capital markets, venture capital and private equity firms, international funds and investment banks.

The international forum was organized by BIA in partnership with Pasha Bank. The event was sponsored by “AG Capital”.