A small domestic market, a shortage of qualified professionals and political instability are the three main obstacles to doing business in Georgia, says Giorgi Mordekhashvili, founder of Food Balls Georgia.
Speaking on TV-program Tsertili, Mordekhashvili, who returned to Georgia six years ago after 27 years abroad, stressed that political stability is essential for sustainable economic development.
“Stability is extremely important for business. This does not mean accepting everything, but changes should take place in a peaceful environment. Today, however, businesses do not feel stable,” he said.
Mordekhashvili identified the shortage of skilled workers and professional competencies as a more pressing challenge than access to financing. He argued that greater attention should be paid to education and vocational training, noting that qualified specialists with sufficient practical experience are difficult to find across almost every sector, despite the growing use of artificial intelligence.
He also highlighted the limited size of Georgia’s domestic market, saying that export-oriented growth is essential for businesses seeking to expand turnover. In this regard, the country’s free trade agreements offer significant opportunities.
Mordekhashvili said his 2024 prediction that business interest would increasingly shift towards Eastern markets had materialized, with growing interest from China and other Asian countries, while European and American businesses have become less active. He emphasized that maintaining balanced economic relations with both the West and the East is important for long-term development.
Asked what Georgia should put an end to, Mordekhashvili pointed to corruption, warning that society has become too tolerant of the problem. He called for strict punishment of corruption and greater commitment to state interests.
Food Balls Georgia produces semi-finished traditional Georgian dishes and desserts. The company has invested $800,000–$900,000 in its production facility, employs 21 people and sells its products in more than 200 retail outlets. It plans to expand to 1,000 outlets within a year and begin exports to Dubai, Israel and CIS countries.
