Georgian FM reaffirms commitment to sustainable growth at UN Conference in Seville

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Tuesday delivered a speech at the Fourth International Conference of the United Nations, highlighting the country’s economic progress and reaffirming the commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation.

In her address, Botchorishvili noted that through prudent economic policies and fiscal discipline, “we had kept our economy stable and healthy”.

“This has allowed us to overcome external shocks and achieve impressive progress - reaching double-digit economic growth in 2021, with an average of 9.7 percent over the past four years”, the FM said.

“Economic growth has been broad-based, driven by strong performance in trade, construction, IT, transport, and services”, she continued.

Botchorishvili further highlighted that tourism was also bouncing back strongly - revenues in 2024 exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 35 percent, and growth had continued into 2025.

“In order to create lasting opportunities for sustainable development, our priority is to invest in key infrastructure and focus on renewable energy, digital transformation, and transportation”, she said.

“Georgia stands out for its significant progress and remains an attractive place to invest, thanks to its strong legal and business environment”, Botchorishvili stressed.

The FM further highlighted that Georgia ranked first in the world for State Budget Transparency, according to the 2023 Open Budget Survey by the International Budget Partnership.

“The Heritage Foundation’s 2025 Index of Economic Freedom ranks Georgia 35th globally, placing it above seven EU member states. The World Bank’s Business Ready Index 2024 places Georgia in the top three among 50 countries. All these achievements come despite the security challenges Georgia faces and the ongoing illegal occupation of the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions by Russia”, she continued.

Botchorishvili further emphasised the Georgian Government’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict, the strengthening of sovereignty, and the promotion of regional stability.

“We are committed to continuing our progress in advancing structural reforms, including those related to diversifying trade markets, improving regional trade connectivity, supporting capital market development, and enhancing energy security”, she noted.

“Over the past years, we have also been sharing our expertise with developing and transition countries - especially in fighting corruption, creating a business-friendly environment, and improving tax and customs systems. Looking ahead, Georgia is ready to work closely with the international community to help build an effective and inclusive global financial system”, the FM continued.

Botchorishvili warmly thanked the Spanish Government for hosting this important event in the “beautiful city” of Seville.

“At the outset, let me warmly thank the Government of the Kingdom of Spain for hosting this important event in the beautiful city of Seville. It is a true honor to represent Georgia at this significant conference, especially at such a critical juncture for the global community”, she said.

“Today, the global financial architecture is facing profound challenges. The lingering impacts of the pandemic, ongoing conflicts, growing inequalities, humanitarian crises, food insecurity, and climate change are all impeding the implementation of the 2030 Agenda”, Botchorishvili stressed.

She further highlighted the conference as a unique opportunity to demonstrate the virtue of multilateralism and to reinvigorate the collective commitment to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that no one was left behind.

“Georgia is ready to play its part and cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure that financial systems deliver not just growth, but inclusive and sustainable development for all”, the FM concluded.