Abkhazia highly values the opportunity to be part of the important dialogue on the economic potential of fraternal South Ossetia and its development, as well as strengthening economic ties with the partner countries, Vladimir Delba, Prime Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia, said at the opening of the IEF-25 in Tskhinval.
"As a representative of a country that, like South Ossetia, has undergone a difficult path of development and upholding its right to self-determination, I am particularly aware of the importance of this forum. We are well aware of economic challenges, and at the same time, we are absolutely confident that our future is the future of sovereign, stable, and economically prosperous states," Delba said.
He has emphasized that, as a representative of the fraternal people whose fate and aspirations are in many ways intertwined with the South Ossetian people, he sees significant potential in the progressive consolidation of efforts to address the challenges and achieve the goals facing Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
"It is clear that Abkhazia and South Ossetia are developing dynamically today, relying on Russia's comprehensive assistance and support. Our countries are demonstrating confident, progressive growth in key macroeconomic indicators, such as gross domestic product, industrial output, foreign trade, budget revenues, household income, and investment in fixed capital," he has noted.
According to Delba, despite these achievements, a number of limitations remain that prevent faster economic growth.
He has added that in such circumstances, cooperation, unification, and intensification of efforts to address common challenges and projects are extremely important.
"What I see as the formula for success is: firstly, the intensification of bilateral trade between our countries. As is known, the agreement on a trade regime for goods between South Ossetia and Abkhazia will be signed on the sidelines of the Forum, establishing duty-free trade for certain goods between our countries. Our competent agencies, together with the business community, must develop efforts of mutual interest in the context of the new organizational and legal realities," he has emphasized.
In his opinion, the next point is mutual investment.
"We understand that our capabilities are limited, but we have similar legal frameworks for attracting and protecting bilateral investment. Abkhazia and South Ossetia possess unique, yet largely complementary, capabilities, such as natural and climatic conditions, agriculture, and tourism. Here, too, I believe it is important to find common ground. Furthermore, we must create and expand transport and logistics capabilities for transportation of goods and passengers between our countries," Delba clarified.
He also cited the exchange of experience, mutual training, and professional development as key factors.
"We have much to learn from each other in terms of legislative development, digitalization, and methodological approaches to governance," he has noted.
Delba declared the Abkhaz side's full readiness to cooperate in all key areas.
"We are open to the creation of joint expert and working groups that could engage in the detailed development of specific ideas and projects. We are confident that the Abkhaz-South Ossetian cooperation model can become a shining example of how fraternal peoples can build a successful and prosperous future based on mutual respect and shared economic interests," the Abkhazian Prime Minister has concluded.
