Georgia on the Black Sea is becoming increasingly exciting for European investors. A prosperous Georgian businessman explains why the small country is operating so successfully

SMALL GEORGIA KNOWS VERY WELL HOW TO TRADE WITH THE WORLD & STILL REMAIN ATTRACTIVE AS A HOLIDAY DESTINATION

GEORGIA, ON THE EASTERN SHORE OF THE BLACK SEA, DIFFERS FROM OTHER EMERGING NATIONS IN SOME ESSENTIAL WAYS: 

The Caucasus pearl of Georgia, has made significant progress in recent years in fostering a business-friendly environment and improving the way business is done. The country has implemented extensive reforms to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, fight corruption and attract investment. This has led to Georgia being considered an attractive destination for foreign direct investment and being recognised internationally as an emerging business location.

Another advantage of Georgia is the development of the technology and innovation sector. The country has a thriving start-up scene and is striving to become a leading centre for technology and innovation in the region. Measures have been taken to promote digitalisation, improve access to high-speed internet and invest in IT infrastructure.

Georgia offers a variety of advantages that are recognised at the international level. One of Georgia’s greatest advantages is its strategic location as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Due to its geographical location, Georgia serves as an important transit route for trade and transport of goods between the two continents. This has helped Georgia become a major logistics centre and hub for international trade

THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS SHOW WHY GEORGIA STANDS OUT GLOBALLY:

Geographical location:
Georgia’s location on the Black Sea provides the country with strategic advantages. It provides access to international trade routes and facilitates the export of goods to the region and beyond. The port of Poti, for example, is an important hub for maritime trade.

Tourism potential:
The picturesque coastal resorts and beaches on the Black Sea are a magnet for tourism in Georgia. The Georgian Black Sea coast attracts visitors with its mild climate, historic cities like Batumi and unique natural landscapes. The tourism sector has become an important source of income for the country.

Political stability:
Compared to some other emerging nations in the region, Georgia has achieved a comparatively stable political situation. The country has implemented reforms since the Rose Revolution in 2003 to fight corruption and build democratic institutions. This stability has boosted investor confidence and helped to promote economic growth.

Economic diversification:
Georgia has sought to diversify its economy and develop from traditional agricultural and commodity sectors. The country has attracted investment in areas such as tourism, infrastructure, technology and services. This focus on diversification has helped strengthen the resilience of the Georgian economy and foster growth.

Cultural heritage:
Georgia has a rich cultural history and heritage dating back to early antiquity. Vines were grown on the territory of what is now Georgia some 8000 years ago and many an endemic wine variety from Georgia is considered excellent. The country has a unique language, music, cuisine and traditions. This cultural heritage is appreciated by many travellers and has helped to boost tourism and position Georgia as an unique destination.

WHY ARE MORE AND MORE PEOPLE FROM EUROPE & ENGLAND INVESTING IN GEORGIA?

In recent years, Georgia has increasingly attracted the interest of investors from all over the European region. There are several reasons why more and more people from this region are investing in Georgia:

Economic potential:
Georgia is experiencing solid economic growth and has become an emerging economy. The country has attracted investment in areas such as tourism, infrastructure, energy and agriculture. There are many opportunities for companies and individuals to invest in different sectors of the Georgian economy.

Investment-friendly environment:
Georgia has undertaken extensive reforms to create an investment-friendly environment. The country has fought corruption, reduced bureaucratic hurdles and introduced investment protection laws. Georgia ranks well in various international rankings on business friendliness and anti-corruption, providing a reliable basis for investment.

Tax advantages:
Georgia has an attractive tax regime for investors. It offers low corporate tax rates of 15% and the possibility of tax-free profits from the export of goods and services. There are also special tax breaks for certain sectors and geographical areas to boost investment.

Geographical location:
Georgia’s geographical location between Europe and Asia offers strategic advantages. The country is an important connection point for trade between East and West and has access to major transport routes. The port of Poti and the planned Silk Road transport route make Georgia an attractive location for logistics and trading companies.

Innovation and technology sector:
Georgia has a growing innovation and technology scene. Start-ups and technology companies have benefited from government support, low operating costs and a talented IT workforce. The country aims to become a regional technology hub and is therefore increasingly attracting investors looking to invest in the technology sector.

WHAT MAKES GEORGIA UNIQUE FROM A TOURIST POINT OF VIEW?

Historical heritage:
Georgia has a rich history reflected in its architectural treasures, ancient fortresses, churches and monasteries. Places like the cave monastery of Vardsia, the Ananuri fortress and the ancient city of Mtskheta offer fascinating glimpses into the past. The port metropolis of Batumi is also growing dynamically and has numerous unique selling points in the pipeline.

Scenic diversity:
The country impresses with breathtaking scenery, ranging from high mountains of the Caucasus to fertile valleys and coasts on the Black Sea. The Georgian countryside offers opportunities for activities such as trekking, mountaineering, skiing, rafting and wine tours.
Hospitality and culture: Georgians are known for their warm hospitality. The traditional Georgian culture, music, dances and festivals such as the Tbilisi Open Air Festival attract visitors from all over the world. The unique Georgian cuisine with dishes like Khachapuri (cheese bread) and Khinkali (stuffed dumplings) is also a highlight.

Wine tradition:
Georgia has an 8,000-year-old wine tradition and is one of the oldest wine producers in the world. The country offers numerous wine regions where visitors can learn about traditional winemaking methods and taste different varieties of Georgian wine.

Tbilisi:
The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi is a fascinating mix of modern architecture and historical charm. The old town with its narrow streets, sulphurous baths and the imposing Narikala Fortress is a popular destination for visitors.

Remote regions:
Georgia also offers remote and unspoilt regions such as Svanetia, Kakheti and Svanetia, which are less developed by the tourist infrastructure. These places offer unique insights into the traditional way of life and culture of the Georgian people.Overall, the combination of rich history, breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, wine tradition and cultural wealth makes Georgia a special and emerging tourist destination.

INTERVIEW WITH GERMAN- & ENGLISH SPEAKING CEO OF A REAL ESTATE CONSULTING COMPANY IN BATUMI, GEORGIA:

Now I have an appointment with Giorgi Bezhuashvili, the managing director of the https://www.invest-in-future.com/immobilieninvestment/ consulting and investment company in Batumi. He knows the country and it’s potential very well and I guess that I can’t get a better interview partner for talking about the future of Georgia…

1.
Oliver Gaebe, wwww.bellacoola.de:

„Giorgi, please introduce yourself to the readers.“

Giorgi, https://www.invest-in-future.com/immobilieninvestment/:

„My name is Giorgi Bezhuashvili, I studied in Bonn in Germany and today I am the director of the Georgian consulting company Future Invest. Our company offers various services to European clients who are interested in Georgia. Both For those who want economic activities such as investments in various fields or for those who want to choose Georgia as a permanent residence. Our service areas are advising on bureaucratic issues, as well as offering interesting investment properties to our clients, assisting them in preparing the necessary documents and investment conditions. At the request of clients, our company provides high-quality interior finishing of real estate according to European standards.“

2.

Oliver:

„Giorgi, thank you very much for taking time today for this interesting interview. Since when has the boom to move to Georgia, or to invest money in Georgia, increased so much and especially why?“

Giorgi:

„Georgia has long been attractive to tourists and investors due to numerous spas, climatic features and easy economic activity, so it has been a very interesting country to invest in for years. However, 10-15 years ago, many people in Europe did not know about Georgia and the influx of tourists and investments came mainly from former Soviet countries. The activation of European, Arab and Jewish investors started in 2013-2014 and continues until today, there are several reasons for this:

A)
In Georgia, prices for non-agricultural real estate, flats, flats, offices and commercial space are much lower than in any European country. Also the tourism sector is growing and the demand for new properties is increasing year by year, therefore the prices are gradually increasing, so the investor has a double benefit from his own property: an increase in property value and good and secure rental income in the long term.

B)
Simplified bureaucracy and investor-friendly tax system. An investor can register a property or set up a company within one day, which saves time.

C)
Location of Georgia: Georgia can be easily entered from any European country after a maximum of 4 hours flight time, only a passport is required. Georgia has a visa-free travel regime with the European Union. And those who wish to become residents of Georgia have the right to apply for a short-term residence permit if they invest US$100,000.

D)
Growing infrastructure and safe environment. Georgia is located on the Silk Road, which makes it a transit country, so the construction and development of highways and seaports is actively taking place in Georgia, facilitating movement and cargo logistics. In terms of security, Georgia is one of the best protected countries in Europe, and the policy is stable and friendly to foreigners.

E)
Of course, we should also take into account the good gastronomy, the hospitable and friendly population, the beautiful landscape and democratic environment and the stable currency.“

3.

Oliver:

„Which regions or which cities in Georgia do you think make sense to live or invest money in?“

Giorgi:

„The capital Tbilisi and the Ajara region, especially the coastal city of Batumi, are particularly tapped for investment. These two big cities are growing and developing day by day, infrastructure is improving and new buildings are being built. We remind you that Georgia has an 8000 year old wine culture – Kakheti is a region where wine production and agriculture are particularly developed. We also have industrial and free trade zones in Potshi, Kutaisi and Tbilisi.“

4.

Oliver:

„You know both the Western way of life and the way of life in Georgia, are there a lot of overlapping ways of living or is there a completely different way of life in Georgia after all?“

Giorgi:

„Georgia and especially Tbilisi and Batumi are very multicultural, Georgians describe themselves as European and are very hospitable and tolerant. Apart from the fact that many Georgians travel to Europe to study or work, they get to know the European way of life. Human rights, freedom of opinion, speech, press and religion are protected in Georgia. Therefore, it is a very pleasant environment for a European in this direction.“

5.

Oliver:

„Currently, more and more Europeans are considering emigrating, especially from Germany, Austria or Switzerland, there seem to be many people leaving Europe. The question for these ‚refugees‘ is, where should they move to? Why should people bother with Georgia, what are the advantages that attract them to the country on the Black Sea, Giorgi?“

Giorgi:

„Georgia, in my opinion, is one of the best places to do that. Historically, Georgia has the experience of peaceful coexistence of people from different nations and cultures. The good will of the society and the government is important for those who choose Georgia as a place to live, also, as I mentioned before, Georgia is very close to Europe, it is a safe environment in terms of criminal, political and economic orientation and benefits and household costs are low compared to Europe. Good and qualified medical care, for those who are pensioners, they can live in Georgia with a British or European pension in good conditions, and if they need to hire a caregiver, it is much cheaper than in Europe. „

6.

Oliver:

„From what investment amount can you buy flats in Batumi, for example, and at what point does it become really interesting to settle in Georgia with a resident ID and a tax D as well?“

Giorgi:

„There is a construction boom in Batumi, almost all construction companies operating in Batumi have interesting and buyer-friendly conditions. For example, 10, 20 or 30 % of the total cost of the flat is deposited in advance, and the remaining amount can be spread over several years as interest-free instalments. Therefore, the applicant can invest from $5,000 in Batumi. For those who wish to receive additional services from the state in medical, educational or other directions, they have the right to apply for a residence permit if they invest $100,000. They are assigned an ID number in Georgia. And a 9-digit payment code is required for customs. „

7.

Oliver:

„How do you see the development of Georgia and the metropolis of Batumi in the last 10 years and most importantly, what do you expect for the future, let’s say until 2030?“

Giorgi:

„Georgia is one of the fastest growing countries in the region and Batumi is often compared to Dubai and also called the Las Vegas of the Black Sea because of its many hotels and casinos. Moreover, several very big projects are planned in Batumi in the next 10 years, such as the construction of Batumi’s business district „Batumi City“ and an artificial island, which will significantly increase the recognition and interest of this city in the world.“

Oliver:

„Giorgi, that sounds really promising. Thank you very much for the interview.“

A 💘 FOR THE SOUTH CAUCASUS!