The Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee and USAID Economic Safety Program organized the dialogue between the public and private sectors on “Challenges and Prospects of the Light Industry Development in Georgia: Producing the Furniture and Packaging Material”.

The Hotel “Stamba” hosted the meeting attended by the lawmakers, representatives of the executive authority, private sector, international organizations and the field specialists.

The parties discussed the surveys on the complications and potential of the furniture and packaging material production, revealing that the light industry in Georgia encounters a series of challenges, including the lack of qualification, poor access to the raw material and investments, complications in the access to the market, outdated devices and low-cost production.

The experts and public sector, as well as MPs discussed the complications in the sphere.

The meeting was as well attended by the representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Education and Science, “Produce in Georgia” and the innovations and technologies agencies.

In the end of the meeting, the Chair of the Committee, David Songulashvili stated that the light industry is one of the key sectors but full of challenges.

“However, we have an opportunity to further develop this sector. We have initially announced our intention to serve as an effective platform for the state and private sectors to discuss the problems and ask for a response. This meeting is evidence of our intention and we support all the issues discussed, especially the accessibility to the finances. Besides, “Produce in Georgia” is one of the best instruments for this. In cooperation with the Education Ministry, we will further strive to find the solution to the problems of qualified manpower. We are also committed to ensuring our oversight function to the end of the process and ensure the state supports the private sector and the business”, - he stated.