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David Songulashvili: “We aim to ensure that future projects deliver even greater economic benefits to the country and make a meaningful contribution to improving the quality of life for our citizens’’
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili, paid a working visit to the Racha region.
"Today, we met with local entrepreneurs and representatives from our Agencies in the Racha region. Direct communication is the best way to understand the needs of local communities. This information serves as the foundation for future projects that must bring even greater economic benefit to the country and enhance the well-being of our citizens,” said Minister Songulashvili.
The Minister emphasized that the effective implementation of state policy relies on the proper functioning of the Ministry’s regional offices.
‘’Effective, results-driven work depends on appropriate infrastructure, modern equipment, and a motivated, highly qualified workforce. We are making active progress in this direction, and I’m confident that in the near future, we will be fully equipped and will have state-of-the-art facilities nationwide—delivering quality services to communities through dedicated professionals,” Mr. Songulashvili noted.
During his visit to Racha, the Minister met with small and medium-sized business owners and visited several enterprises, including the ‘’Bimbili’’ winery, Itsisi Winery LLC, and the Racha Natural Products honey production cooperative.
“Racha is preparing for the upcoming grape harvest. We saw the preparations firsthand and discussed the needs of local winegrowers. It is important to think about how to better utilize Racha’s agricultural potential. We are evaluating what steps we can take, within the Ministry’s mandate, to further strengthen the region,” the Minister added.
The Minister also held meetings at the regional office of the National Food Agency, which oversees food safety, veterinary, and plant protection services across all four municipalities in the region (Ambrolauri, Oni, Tsageri, Lentekhi). He visited the newly established regional office of the National Forestry Agency and met with its staff. The Agency’s services will benefit residents of approximately 250 villages in the region.
In addition, the Minister reviewed ongoing renovation works at the regional office of the Department of Environmental Supervision in Western Georgia. He visited rangers at the temporary administrative building of the Protected Areas and inspected new equipment acquired for the Racha National Park.
“I would like to emphasize that the expansion of protected areas opens up new opportunities for Racha. This development will allow the region to become a new point of attraction and further promote tourism,” stated Minister Songulashvili.
The Minister also visited the family-run hotel Askrioni, which is a beneficiary of the “Promotion of Entrepreneur Activity in Mountainous Region,” implemented by the Rural Development Agency.
Minister Songulashvili was accompanied by the State Representative in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, Mr. Papuna Margvelidze; Member of Parliament representing the region, Mr. Gocha Enukidze; First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili; heads of the Ministry’s subordinate agencies; and representatives of local self-government.