The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, David Songulashvili, met with Paolo Mascarino, President of the Italian Food Industry Federation (Federalimentare), and a representatives of the Italian food manufacturing company.

The parties focused on opportunities to deepen cooperation between Georgia and Italy in the agri-food sector, attract investment, and establish direct business ties between Georgian and Italian companies.

“Italy is an important partner for Georgia in developing cooperation in the agri-food sector. Today’s meeting with Mr Paolo Mascarino, President of Federalimentare, provided an opportunity to explore new prospects for bilateral collaboration. For Georgia, strengthening the food processing industry, enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Georgian products, expanding export capacity, and reinforcing their presence in international markets are crucial”, - said David Songulashvili.

Discussions also addressed opportunities to develop food processing, packaging, branding, and export-oriented production in Georgia. The parties explored prospects for Italian companies to invest in Georgia, build partnerships in manufacturing and processing, and develop joint ventures.

Minister Songulashvili proposed establishing a practical mechanism to help identify specific business opportunities and strengthen direct cooperation between representatives of the Italian food industry and Georgia’s private sector.

The parties agreed to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation by identifying priority sectors and companies, exchanging information on concrete business opportunities, and organizing a visit to Georgia by representatives of Italian food industry companies.

Lasha Dolidze, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture; Tamuna Liluashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to the Italian Republic; and Zurab Gozalishvili, Director of the Rural Development Agency, accompanied the Minister.