2017-06-12

IMF Deputy Managing Director Tao Zhang Visits TSU

“It is an honor to visit Georgia. And it is an honor to be able to spend time today at Tbilisi State University. I always take great pleasure meeting with students during my work. This group represents Georgia’s future and should have a voice in today’s discussion,” Tao Zhang, Deputy Managing Director of International Monetary Fund, said at the meeting with students from Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University on June 12.

Rector of TSU, Giorgi Sharvashidze, Finance Minister Dimitri Kumsishvili, President of the National Bank of Georgia, Koba Gvenetadze and professors attended the meeting.

The IMF Deputy Managing Director discussed the issues of global economy and IMF’s role in the world, including its activities in Georgia, challenges facing Georgia, etc. 

“Your country has made great economic progress since achieving independence, and recent reforms have laid the foundation for continued advances. I think there is broad agreement on the issues to be addressed if Georgia is to achieve the sustained economic growth that will benefit all Georgians,” Tao Zhang said while addressing the students. “It won’t be long before many of these challenges rest on your shoulders. When you leave university, you will be taking on responsibilities that, in time, will help determine your country’s future.”

He said that the Georgian government has achieved progress in terms of economic growth and stability, but a number of problems need to be settled to improve management and ensure financial stability, especially in terms of social expenses. Tao Zhang emphasized that the government should focus on creation of jobs and make sure that these jobs are enough for the population and especially for young generation.

“In the medium term, we see Georgia returning to the 5.5 percent growth after the recent downturn. But that will depend on the continuation of recent policies that have created favorable conditions for private investment, productivity growth, and greater export competitiveness,” he added.

“The meeting was very interesting. Our development plan and the support we enjoy from the IMF coincide with each other. Students asked very interesting questions,” Finance Minister Dimitri Kumsishvili said.

President of the National Bank of Georgia, Koba Gvenetadze said: “We discussed the development of global economy, regional economic issues and of course, the issues of Georgia’s economy. The Deputy Managing Director has good information and analysis about what is happening, which issues are topical. Therefore, his visions about global economy, as well as regional and Georgian economies, are very important. We also discussed macroeconomic issues, as well as economic growth issues and the program ongoing in Georgia with the financial support of the IMF.”

By the end of the meeting the guests answered students’ questions.

During his official visit to Georgia Tao Zhang will also meet with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and other Georgian officials.

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