The Minister thanked the representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for their long-term support in the implementation of important projects. 

The projects on the rehabilitation and modernization of Kvemo Samgori irrigation networks, restoration of windbreaks and support of agricultural activities, which are being successfully implemented, were especially mentioned.

Otar Shamugia emphasized the role and importance of the involvement of international and donor organizations in the process of effective development of agriculture and spoke about the importance of introducing the new technologies in the agricultural sector. The conversation also touched upon the challenges faced by the country that include the climate change and the issues of dealing with it.

Eugene Zhukov briefed the Minister on the goals of the Asian Development Bank to support the agricultural sector and paid special attention to the water resource management-related issues.

Otar Shamugia noted that the development of strategic water resource management plans and the fulfillment of the commitments undertaken in connection with the EU in this regard is a priority for the country. Eugene Zhukov expressed his readiness to cooperate and share best practices in the implementation of the pool management system in Georgia.

At the meeting, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) named the transport and communications, industry, energy, agriculture and financial sector as priority investment areas.

The meeting was attended by the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Country Director in Georgia, Shane Rosenthal, the ADB Senior Project Officer, Avtandil Tskhvitava, the First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Giorgi Khanishvili, the Deputy Minister, Nino Tandilashvili and the representatives of the relevant agencies within the Ministry.