The American Times: On-the-Ground-Perspective in Georgia
Georgia, where to begin? They are a take action NOW country. The fundamental difference that permeated all levels of discussion while working in this beautiful country is its rapid approach in addressing its flaws. Is it in order to increase investor interest? Of course; is it also to better itself for its people, absolutely. I’d like to say that this broad notion is something singular to me and my experiences working in-country for 3 months. However, it is becoming somewhat well known to those familiar with Georgia and international organizations. In fact, Georgia ranks a solid 52/177 on Transparency International’s Corruption Index (nothing short of a miracle in any former-Soviet nation). The problem indeed lies in the truth that when people think of Georgia, especially Americans, they react similarly, “Georgia, as in Atlanta, Georgia?” or recognize the country from its traditional media exposure via the 2008 short-war with its northern neighbor Russia.
Now, the good thing is that the American Times needs that relative obscurity to exist in the world; something to promote to our US investors beyond the ever expanding BRIC nations. Obscurity, however, does not negate strength in an emerging economy, it represents opportunity and the Republic of Georgia provides them in spades. Generally speaking, Georgians and the expat inhabitants are a happy group of people. The Georgians are engaged and happy that their government is taking action to grow the economy to provide jobs (illustrated by the 150 plus actions our interview elicited on the Minister of Agriculture’s Facebook page) and the expat community is astounded by the sound business infrastructure, safety and the country’s natural beauty.
All of this isn’t to say there are not some weaknesses still at play in Georgia. Many of the Ministry officials have a healthy degree of hubris. It appears they feel that they are kicking butt and taking names and it shows in their words. This is neither a good thing nor a bad thing. But left unchecked they are bound to lose the narrow focus required to develop their nation beyond nature loving expats and a comparatively content populace. This might also be derived from new Prime Minister Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream win over President Saakashvili’s party two weeks after we arrived in early November 2012. A tremendous victory highlighted by a clean exchange and no violence but marred by informal arrests and a poor judicial system. I digress.
Peculiarities abound; it’s always fun to discuss some of the oddities in the country. Most notably the incredible amount of Roma (gypsies) present in Tbilisi. Really an ungodly amount of children and adults clinging to your leg as you walk to an appointment. A saddening, aggressive social concern to be certain.
More on the people-front; Georgians tend to stare (as do Armenians) at people that do not look like them. It’s most likely curiosity more than anything but as most American’s are taught growing up and constantly reminded by their mother, “It’s not polite to stare!”
All in all, this is the honeymoon stage for the new Georgia under PM Ivanishvili. You know, where one can do no wrong, everything is perfect as small (or large) missteps are forgiven with ease. But we all know that ends and the truth settles; for better or worse, it will settle. I’m a core optimist but a pragmatic one. I’m betting on the former.
If I were to leave you with one message, albeit running the risk of becoming stale ad-nausea, it would be this: Come and visit, determine for yourself. The opportunities are tremendous and even the downfalls are softened by a steady stream of increasingly business friendly and effective legislation. They listen to their business people. Strong local contacts, foreign or domestic, are available to help navigate, just ask us; we’ll take care of you.