BUSINESS
GEORGIA TODAY JUNE 18 - 20, 2019
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Ministry of Economy Officials Meet with Women Business Leaders BY SAMANTHA GUTHRIE
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ast week, the ‘Women for Tomorrow – Business Leaders Federation,’ held a meeting with several top government officials. The main purpose of the meeting was to review opportunities for cooperation and perspectives for the government to offer support for the development of Georgia’s businesswomen. Women for Tomorrow is an association of women business leaders, primarily in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector. The organization aims “to strengthen the role of women in the process of economic development by creating an empowering network of women business leaders and employing the synergy of collaboration of its members,” reads its mission statement. The June 10 event was attended by
We plan to provide access to finances and to promote local Georgian production, Minister Turnava
Image source: Women for Tomorrow
Women are one of the driving forces of the economic development of Georgia
Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Ekaterine Mikabadze, the Head of the National Tourism Administration Mariam Kvrivishvili and the Deputy Director of the Enterprise Georgia Agency Tornike Zirakishvili – both agencies are part of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. The officials presented their respective entities’ policies related to small business development and answered audience questions. The meeting was centered on the pri-
orities of the Ministry of Economy, and touched on ongoing and planned reforms and business support programs. Meeting attendees, who were primarily members of the Women for Tomorrow – Business Leaders Federation, showed particular interest in the Ministry of Economy’s proactive investment policy, reports the Ministry. The policy includes a ‘single window’ concept, offering all services for investors at one location, likely a Business House, proposed by the Ministry – a parallel to the existing Justice House which is a one-stop-shop for all legal and administrative services.
During the meeting, reports the Ministry of Economy, “Turnava highlighted the importance of continued communication with such business organizations as the Women for Tomorrow, which brings together companies’ owners and senior management, as well as women employed in small and medium businesses.” She said, “Women are one of the driving forces of the economic development of Georgia. Today, we discussed many issues, including the challenges that the business [sector] is facing today. We also talked about new initiatives, including our plans to provide access to
finances and to promote local Georgian production.” Turnava, herself a member of the Board of Directors of Women for Tomorrow, also pledged to continue participating in such meetings in the future. Women for Tomorrow – Business Leaders Federation strives to achieve its mission through several activities: Providing education, development and mentoring for female entrepreneurs and business representatives at every level of leadership; advocating for equal opportunities, effective participation, and advancement of female leaders in business; empowering women of the region in their business endeavors and supporting them in the development of their careers; and promoting the idea of women as business leaders and supporting innovative approach in business. They are dedicated to the principles of equality, advocacy, and innovation.