06 June 2004 00:16
Georgian economy minister pins hopes on cooperation with Russia
[Presenter Andrey Baturin] Russian businessman Kakha Bendukidze was appointed Georgia's economy minister. He
said he could not turn down the proposal. For his part, Bendukidze promised to implement radical reforms and carry out
genuine privatization in Georgia.
[Passage omitted: biographical details. See report by NTV Mir 1300 gmt 1 Jun 04]
Moscow assessed the appointment as another step towards consolidating economic relations between the two countries.
Kakha Bendukidze spoke about his plans in the new post in an interview with our programme. [Passage omitted]
[Bendukidze] [172424] I strongly believe that Georgia's economic revival, and not only economic revival, can be
achieved. Economic growth is the question of life and death for Georgia as a state. Therefore, it seems to me that this
is currently one of the most important issues.
[Question] Do you think it is easier to implement these reforms in Georgia than in Russia?
[Bendukidze] I think, yes. The thing is that the worse-the-better principle starts working here. Russia has other
reserves, and it can wait and not be in a hurry - they can say there: Let's wait and see what happens in five or 10
years' time. Georgia has no such possibilities. The only way to survive for Georgia is to implement fundamental
reforms. There are no other possibilities. We can't wait anymore. Our country is too poor to afford waiting.
[Question] Do you think the possibilities of the Russian capital on the Georgian market will grow?
[Bendukidze] Undoubtedly - Russian, American, Brazilian and Japanese capitals will have more possibilities. I am
against any preferential treatment and against any limitations.
[Question] What is your view of the integration of Russian and Georgian economies?
[Bendukidze] I have a very positive view. I believe that it would be total cretinism to integrate our economy with
the economies of such wonderful countries as, for example, South Korea or Sri Lanka. I believe that our economy must be
integrated to the fullest with the economies of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia and Turkey.
[Passage omitted]
[Question] Do you think your appointment will help settle political discords between Moscow and Tbilisi, apart from
economic ones?
[Bendukidze] It seems to me that there are no particular discords. There are some false ambitions. You know,
it's time to meet each other halfway and even make unilateral moves. Most of us are Orthodox Christians - I mean
Russians and Georgians. [172720]
[Passage omitted]
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